ethics
Mahatma Gandhi’s
‘The Seven Deadly Sins in Today’s World’
Wealth without work
Enjoyment without conscience,
Knowledge without character,
Business without morality,
Science without humanity,
Religion without sacrifice
Politics without principle
Below is the draft Universal Declaration for Human Responsibilities proposed by the InterAction Council. For full draft and comments: www.asiawide.or.jp/
Universal Declaration of Human
Responsibilities
(Proposed by the InterAction Council)
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable
rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice
and peace in the world and implies obligations or responsibilities,
whereas the exclusive insistence on rights can result in conflict, division,
and endless dispute, and the neglect of human responsibilities can lead to lawlessness
and chaos,
whereas the rule of law and the promotion of human rights depend on the readiness
of men and women to act justly,
whereas global problems demand global solutions which can only be achieved through
ideas, values, and norms respected by all cultures and societies,
whereas all people, to the best of their knowledge and ability, have a responsibility
to foster a better social order, both at home and globally, a goal which cannot
be achieved by laws, prescriptions, and conventions alone,
whereas human aspirations for progress and improvement can only be realized
by agreed values and standards applying to all people and institutions at all
times,
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly
proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities as a common standard for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall contribute to the advancement of communities and to the enlightenment of all their members.
We, the peoples of the world thus renew and reinforce commitments already proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: namely, the full acceptance of the dignity of all people; their inalienable freedom and equality, and their solidarity with one another. Awareness and acceptance of these responsibilities should be taught and promoted throughout the world.
Fundamental Principles for Humanity
Article 1
Every person, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, social status, political
opinion, language, age, nationality, or religion, has a responsibility to treat
all people in a humane way.
Article 2
No person should lend support to any form of inhumane behavior, but all people
have a responsibility to strive for the dignity and self-esteem of all others.
Article 3
No person, no group or organization, no state, no army or police stands above
good and evil; all are subject to ethical standards. Everyone has a responsibility
to promote good and to avoid evil in all things.
Article 4
All people, endowed with reason and conscience, must accept a responsibility
to each and all, to families and communities, to races, nations, and religions
in a spirit of solidarity: What you do not wish to be done to yourself, do not
do to others.
Non-Violence and Respect for Life
Article 5
Every person has a responsibility to respect life. No one has the right to injure,
to torture or to kill another human person. This does not exclude the right
of justified self-defense of individuals or communities.
Article 6
Disputes between states, groups or individuals should be resolved without violence.
No government should tolerate or participate in acts of genocide or terrorism,
nor should it abuse women, children, or any other civilians as instruments of
war. Every citizen and public official has a responsibility to act in a peaceful,
non-violent way.
Article 7
Every person is infinitely precious and must be protected unconditionally. The
animals and the natural environment also demand protection. All people have
a responsibility to protect the air, water and soil of the earth for the sake
of present inhabitants and future generations.
Justice and Solidarity
Article 8
Every person has a responsibility to behave with integrity, honesty and fairness.
No person or group should rob or arbitrarily deprive any other person or group
of their property.
Article 9
All people, given the necessary tools, have a responsibility to make serious
efforts to overcome poverty, malnutrition, ignorance, and inequality. They should
promote sustainable development all over the world in order to assure dignity,
freedom, security and justice for all people.
Article 10
All people have a responsibility to develop their talents through diligent endeavor;
they should have equal access to education and to meaningful work. Everyone
should lend support to the needy, the disadvantaged, the disabled and to the
victims of discrimination.
Article 11
All property and wealth must be used responsibly in accordance with justice
and for the advancement of the human race. Economic and political power must
not be handled as an instrument of domination, but in the service of economic
justice and of the social order.
Truthfulness and Tolerance
Article 12
Every person has a responsibility to speak and act truthfully. No one, however
high or mighty, should speak lies. The right to privacy and to personal and
professional confidentiality is to be respected. No one is obliged to tell all
the truth to everyone all the time.
Article 13
No politicians, public servants, business leaders, scientists, writers or artists
are exempt from general ethical standards, nor are physicians, lawyers and other
professionals who have special duties to clients. Professional and other codes
of ethics should reflect the priority of general standards such as those of
truthfulness and fairness.
Article 14
The freedom of the media to inform the public and to criticize institutions
of society and governmental actions, which is essential for a just society,
must be used with responsibility and discretion. Freedom of the media carries
a special responsibility for accurate and truthful reporting. Sensational reporting
that degrades the human person or dignity must at all times be avoided.
Article 15
While religious freedom must be guaranteed, the representatives of religions
have a special responsibility to avoid expressions of prejudice and acts of
discrimination toward those of different beliefs. They should not incite or
legitimize hatred, fanaticism and religious wars, but should foster tolerance
and mutual respect between all people.
Mutual Respect and Partnership
Article 16
All men and all women have a responsibility to show respect to one another and
understanding in their partnership. No one should subject another person to
sexual exploitation or dependence. Rather, sexual partners should accept the
responsibility of caring for each other well-being.
Article 17
In all its cultural and religious varieties, marriage requires love, loyalty
and forgiveness and should aim at guaranteeing security and mutual support.
Article 18
Sensible family planning is the responsibility of every couple. The relationship
between parents and children should reflect mutual love, respect, appreciation
and concern. No parents or other adults should exploit, abuse or maltreat children.
Conclusion
Article 19
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any state, group
or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at
the destruction of any of the responsibilities, rights and freedom set forth
in this Declaration and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
