Until I read this article in the Guardian today, I'd managed to forget that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 60th birthday this year. The article reminds us of that fact, but also asks 'how far have we come?'... have racial and gender equality improved, in ways that enable all to realize their rights? Apparently, a recent poll by WorldPublicOpinion.org, which surveyed 15,000 people across 16 countries, suggests that in most communities there is at least a perceived improvement in equality. For example, in all but two of the countries surveyed - Palestine and Nigeria - a significant majority of people (71% overall) believe that women have progressed towards equality with men in recent years. Indeed, 86% rated gender equality 'important' overall, and 59% felt that people of different races and ethnicities are now treated more equally. As the article points out, such perceptions are likely to reflect genuine positive change - but, even if they don't, they surely reflect a shared understanding that human rights matter (in other words, people 'say it' even if they don't 'make it happen'). Slow progress perhaps, but at least the trajectory is positive.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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Very good piece, and wonderful to see progress of sorts.
Given that the debate was whether slavery was acceptable just a couple of centuries ago, and now we're wondering about racial and gender equality, it's interesting to wonder where this positive trend will lead (assuming it continues). A few generations from now there may be a waxing consensus that eating meat should be frowned upon or outlawed; and perhaps after that, the complete disembodiment of rights - from our physical bodies to our thoughts, bypassing ethnicity and gender completely. Any other directions this positive trend could lead? We should start planning now!
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