Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A beacon of hope: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70

By Patricia Jenkings - posted Wednesday, 12 December 2018


The Declaration provides clear standards that can serve as the foundations for a path to global peace, so fragile in today's world yet gives us freedom of spirit and cannot be taken for granted. The Declaration can help improve life chances and living standards for all. In the words of legendary John Lennon, "Imagine" what can be achieved to create a less divided and more harmonious world environment.

Most important, we need to heed the words of Distinguished Australian Dr Herbert V Evatt, President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1948 to 1949, and who presided over the Assembly that adopted this landmark document.

Dr Evatt said that the Declaration would remain a dead letter if the people are unfamiliar with it, or uninterested in it, but it can become effective if the people stand behind it and, insist that themselves and all others observe the principles in it.

Advertisement

Eleanor Roosevelt, a driving force in creating the UDHR, was known for saying that the document, which expresses ideals, "carry no weight unless the people know them, unless the people understand them, unless the people demand that they be lived."

Ms Roosevelt also said that human rights begins in small places close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. "Unless these rights have meaning there", she said, "they have little meaning anywhere."

So relevant in today's world, it is sometimes easy to forget that in the rush to be more efficient and effective, real reform starts at the basic needs level, from where it will ripple out, not just materially but by measures of newfound hope, confidence and freedom.

The world has become a global village and is now populated with global citizens. As we move through the 21st century, the world has become more interdependent and interconnected. Global corporations, institutions, the political elite and the rising economic powers of East Asia, provide a new mix of political and economic relationships on the world stage.

Sometimes in achieving the economic dream and following the economic imperative, whether it be market led or a Welfare State, communities can lose sight of basic human principles, such as human rights and the fundamental democratic freedoms, the less fortunate are denied.

Certainly there are differences between what is possible and impossible and a gap between expectations and reality.

Advertisement

However, for the betterment of humanity, we all have a shared responsibility and with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an inspiration, together we can create a better world for all in the wonderful spirit of humanitarian mateship.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

13 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Patricia Jenkings is a former political advisor. She has a PhD from the University of Sydney in social policy studies and education.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Patricia Jenkings

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Patricia Jenkings
Article Tools
Comment 13 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy