BYLINER: AMBASSADOR CHORBA ON U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY
(Misconceptions about the declaration have gained currency)
By Timothy A. Chorba
U.S. Ambassador to Singapore

(The author is the U.S. Ambassador to Singapore. This byliner was published on the editorial page of the September 22, 1997 issue of the Straits Times in Singapore. Persons who intend to redistribute this byliner should give credit to the Straits Times as the source.)

"Misconceptions about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" By Timothy A. Chorba
U.S. Ambassador to Singapore

Recent news stories and opinion pieces in the Straits Times of Singapore and other publications focus public attention on important concerns about human rights and responsibilities relevant to all mankind. Reference frequently has been made to the Universal Decleration of Human Rights, which has served as the standard for internationally accepted behavior by national governments towards their citizens since its adoption by the U.N. General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

Some commentators suggest that this historic document is no longer relevant. They imply that the Universal Declaration reflects the bias of Western drafters, is rooted in values alien to Asia and has been imposed on the non-Western world by Western "superpowers."

In fact the Declaration was born of the worldwide revulsion triggered by the atrocities committed during World War II in Asia and Europe. Its preamble states "disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind." As Secretary of State Madeleine Albright noted during her visit this past July, the Universal Declaration is "a reflection of the general feelings of people throughout the world about their desire to secure political and human rights and...a declaration that has stood us well and will continue to do so."

Misconceptions about the Declaration have gained currency over the years, and they have been repeated in recent critical comments about the Declaration and the principles it incorporates.

A careful reading of the Declaration and awareness of its history leads to a more balanced and constructive view of its continued relevancy and value. It is useful to review salient misconceptions and historical facts concerning the Universal Declaration of Humen Rights.

Myth: The Declaration was drafted by Western countries.

Fact: The eight members of the United Nations special committee which drafted the document represented China, Lebanon, Chile, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, the Soviet Union and the United States. Many other countries contributed suggestions. The chairperson was Eleanor Roosevelt, an American humanitarian and wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Vice Chairman was a Chinese Diplomat, Chang Peng Chung, and the rapporteur was a Lebanese Philosopher, Dr. Charles Malik. Without dissenting vote, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Declaration in late 1948. The vote was 48-0, with eight countries, primarily from the then-Soviet bloc, abstaining. Among the countries who voted "yes" to adopt the Declaration were Burma, China, Cuba, India, Iran, Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand.

Myth: The Declaration was a discriminatory attempt by colonial powers to impose their will on weaker, smaller nations.

Fact: So-called "third world" countries, such as Panama, Chile and Cuba, were among the earliest and strongest advocates of the concept that the United Nations should agree on a set of universal human rights. The Declaration was one of the first international agreements to recognize the essential equality of all of the world's people and the dignity of individuals regardless of their country of origin or its relative international strength. That principle is explicitly stated in Article 2 of the Declaration: "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."

Myth: The Declaration focuses only on individual rights and ignores community interests.

Fact: Point 3 of article 16 states that "the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state." Article 29 states "everyone has duties to the community." It adds, "in the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securlng due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order, and the general welfare in a democratic society."

Myth: The Declaration does not address economic and social rights.

Fact: Article 23 states "everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment." Article 25 states "everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control."

As the above excerpts make clear, many of the same human rights issues that are being discussed currently were also debated by the original drafters of the Universal Declaration. They produced a rich document reflecting many different viewpoints, as powerful and relevant today as when it was first drafted a half century ago. A careful look at the Declaration will remind people of all regions and cultures why it remains one of the most compelling, significant and enduring documents of our times.

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