Global Ethics for a Humane World

Website: http://fsw.kub.nl/globus/conference ; www.terracuranda.org

Recommendations of the series of conferences:

Global Ethics for a Humane World

Human Rights, Duties and Responsibilities for the WSSD

Organised by: Globus Institute, Tilburg University, and Terra Curanda with the financial support of the NCDO, National Committee on International Cooperation and Sustainable Development.

Guest Chairman: Richard Goldstone, Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa
Honorary Chairman: Ruud Lubbers, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Honorary Chairman of Globus Institute, Tilburg University
General Coordinator: Patricia Morales, Globus Institute, Tilburg University

The series of conferences, Global Ethics for a Humane World, that has taken place from 10 December 2001 -Human Rights Day- to 20 June 2002 -Refugee Day-, was dedicated to promote an ethical view for the World Summit on Sustainable Development through the further formulation of the relationship between human rights, duties and responsibilities in relation to the debate on sustainable development. See: http://fsw.kub.nl/globus/conference

Concerned about the present situation of the human condition which, in an era of globalisation, has become more fragile than ever, facing, among others, the sophistication of nuclear and conventional weapons, the use of new information and communications technology, the development of biotechnology, the power of transnational corporations, and the reach of international terrorism and other criminal activities;

Reaffirming that the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent human rights instruments remain universally significant and are inalienable and indivisible, and that sustainable development is a recognised human right; and that respect for dignity and equal rights of all members of the human family remains the foundation for global peace, justice and human security in the world;

Becoming aware that conferring rights on people is not the sole appropriate response for the global community and that the enforcement of duties and responsibilities is necessary to make the recognition of and respect for rights meaningful, as stated by the Declaration of Human Duties and Responsibilities enunciated on the 50 Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Taking into account the efforts of various groups to make a reality of the proposals of Agenda 21, and appreciating the value of global initiatives such as the Earth Charter which have further enunciated principles of sustainable development;

Considering the importance of enforcing international justice, the coming into operation of the International Criminal Court by reason of the Rome Treaty having entered into force on 11 April 2002, and recognising the need for enforcement mechanisms for socio-economic rights and the need for an International Court on Sustainable Development and the Environment;

The series of conferences make the following recommendations:

1. From rights to responsibilities

Rights of all members of the global community can only fully be realized when responsibilities are formulated and correctly enforced. The realisation of these rights depends upon the assumption of the political, moral, ethical and legal duties and responsibilities which arise from the Charter of the United Nations to the UN Millennium Declaration.

2. The actors - the bearers of responsibility

It is not only governments and international organisations that must assume their responsibility, but also the private sector, NGOs, and other representatives of civil society, communities, peoples and individuals, in a balanced and peaceful manner, strengthening inclusion and participation of all sectors of society.

3. Individual and collective responsibilities

There is a collective duty upon the global community to cooperate on the achievement, for present and future generations, of a secure human existence free from nuclear threat, aggressive war, acts of mass violence, gross human rights violations, mass population displacement, environmental harm and poverty.

4. Common but differentiated responsibilities

Responsibility should be established taking into account objective criteria. The "footprint" can be considered a useful tool for evaluating consumption and production in relation to countries and individuals. The individual and collective footprint of the people on Earth illustrates the need for common, but differentiated responsibilities.

5. Good governance

Good governance based upon the will of the people, the shared assumption of responsibility and respect for the rule of law is essential for the achievement of sustainable development that achieves full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human security.

Sustainable development draws attention to the rights of present and future generations. Therefore, responsibilities have two dimensions: intragenerational and intergenerational.

6. Intragenerational responsibility

All members of the human family are of equal worth, in the sense that they are not merely equal, but the same. All cultures, traditions and civilisations have an intrinsic value, are of equal worth and are entitled to require equal respect within the framework of universal and indivisible human rights and fundamental freedoms. Towards an international equitable order, eradication of poverty and fair trade for the global market are priorities for achieving intragenerational responsibility.

7. Intergenerational responsibility

Awareness of the limits of resources on Earth and of the damage produced by the inappropriate means of production and consumption, war and other man-made disasters make it essential that moral obligations should be assumed immediately by the present generation. In order to respect, protect and preserve the uniqueness and diversity of all forms of life.

8. The WSSD responsibility: the eradication of "apartheid" of the Earth

The WSSD in Johannesburg should be the milestone from which there will be the eradication of "apartheid" of the Earth, of millions of disregarded people. The situation today of the poor, the refugees and other vulnerable people and women, children and the elderly in many regions of the world, and our legacy for the future generations are the major concern of the global community. Respect, inclusion, participation and solidarity are the ethical principles that will guide humanity toward a more just, peaceful and sustainable society, ensuring a healthy survival of present and future generations

Note: The Declaration of Human Duties and Responsibilities (Valencia Declaration 1998) has provided this important vision on responsibility, and these recommendations are inspired by the Declaration.

Websites of the documents: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Declaration of Human Duties and Responsibilities, Agenda 21, Earth Charter, Rome Treaty, UN Millennium Declaration

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