10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global commitments: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This fundamental document enshrines the inalienable rights to which all human beings are entitled, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in Paris, on 10 December 1948, and established, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Available in over 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world. A year-long initiative focused on universality, progress and commitment will culminate in a high-level event in December 2023, announcing global commitments and ideas for a vision of the future of human rights.
AIDLR and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On 25 April 1945, Jean Nussbaum, a physician who never left the profession, diplomat and director for Public Affairs of the Southern European Division of the Adventist Church, attended the United Nations Convention in San Francisco. His aim was to establish an international organisation to follow in the steps the League of Nations. At the Economic and Social Council he was appointed to deal with human rights issues. There, he met Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of the former president of the United States. The two immediately agreed on the issue of human rights. At the time of its constitution, Nussbaum asked her to accept the position as chairperson of the honorary committee of the Association International pour la défense de la liberté religieuse (AIDLR). Thus, AIDLR was founded in 1946 and the first president of the honorary committee of this association was Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Adventist Church & Universal Human Rights Declaration
The following declaration was voted by the Administrative Committee of the General Conference on 17 November 1998 and was published by the Public Affairs Office of the General Conference, on occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration
‘Since its inception in the mid-19th century, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has supported human rights. Inspired by biblical values, early Adventists were involved in the fight against slavery and injustice. They asserted the right of every person to choose their beliefs according to conscience, and to practise and teach their religion in full freedom, without discrimination, always respecting the equal rights of others.
Seventh-day Adventists are convinced that, in religion, the exercise of force is contrary to God's principles. [...]
[...] In promoting religious freedom, family life, education, health, mutual assistance, and the satisfaction of human needs, Seventh-day Adventists affirm the dignity of the human person created in the image of God.[...]
[...] The Universal Declaration is a fundamental document that stands firmly for human dignity, freedom, equality and non-discrimination of minorities.[...]
[...] Article 18, which unconditionally upholds religious freedom in belief and practice, is of particular importance because freedom of religion is the fundamental human right that underlies and sustains all human rights.[...]'
The Bible & Human rights
Any honest study of the Bible must recognise that man, being God's special creation, has been blessed with certain "human rights." Any true student of the Bible will be spurred towards ideals such as fairness, justice and benevolence. The Bible says that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
The Mosaic Law is full of examples of how God expects each of us to be treated humanely. The Ten Commandments contain prohibitions against murder, theft, immoderate desire, adultery, and perjury. These five laws promote the ethical treatment of our fellow human beings.
Other examples of the Law include the commands to treat migrants well (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34), to provide for the needs of the poor (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 15:7-8), to guarantee interest-free loans to the poor (Exodus 22:25), and to release all servants under contract every fifty years (Leviticus 25:39-41).
"The rich man and the poor man have this in common: the LORD made them both" (Proverbs 22:2). In turn, the Bible teaches that Christians should not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, cultural background, or social position (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; James 2:1-4). We should be kind to everyone (Luke 6:35-36). The Bible gives serious warnings against taking advantage of the poor and oppressed. "He who oppresses the poor outrages him who made him, but he who has pity on the needy honours him" (Proverbs 14:31).
