Page 13 - Dignity and justice for all of us our voices are heard in Thailand

Human Rights:

Foundation, Development and the Universal Declaration

The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an occasion to celebrate one of the most significant common
visions of mankind in history. It is also an opportunity for us all to reflect on the essence of the Declaration, its foundation and
development, as well as on the human rights challenges we face in the present day.

The term ‘human rights’ may seem difficult to understand for some Thai people. This could be because it is a relatively new concept,
with foreign origins. In addition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Declaration could give the impression that human rights
have only existed for 60 years. And, if one reads through the Declaration, one might also think that human rights only concern the
issues comprising the 30 articles of the Declaration.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which represents a shared commitment by global citizens, clearly specifies the essence of
human rights. The 30 articles in the Declaration cover the fundamental rights that all human beings should enjoy. Nevertheless, it is
important for us to realize, first and foremost, that human rights are, in effect, inherent to the existence of mankind. They have evolved
throughout history and were consolidated in a universal declaration in 1948. This implies that the term ‘human rights’ is a living
concept, which can be interpreted in different ways and transformed according to a changing context of geography and time.

The rights specified in the 30 articles of the Declaration share the same origins. They are intertwined and should not be viewed as
separate entities. While this publication presents the Declaration in 30 different chapters for planning convenience, we feel that once
studied carefully, it will become evident that the 30 articles are all inter-related and indivisible.

Human rights, or to put it more simply, the ‘rights of human beings’, are rights that we agree everyone is entitled to and should be
respected for peaceful co-existence in society. Human rights are not something mysterious or abstract beyond comprehension. All
human beings should live and treat one another according to human rights principles. Human rights cover all aspects of ‘life’: physical,
mental, interpersonal relationships, ownership, as well as the relationship we have with the natural environment on which our lives
depend. Human rights are integral to human life and quality of life.

In the past, different societies accommodated their own human rights principles, which varied according to social norms, different
periods and different localities. In some societies, the issues of rights were conveyed through moral codes, ethics and traditions which
determined the duties and responsibilities that people had towards one another. In others, these principles were closely linked to
religious beliefs and practices. In a similar way to what we are facing today, societies in the past were confronted with challenges and

Our Voices are Heard in Thailand 1