Some InterAction Council MembersBy Dr Laksiri FernandoUnder the present international and national circumstances of each and every country, balancing human rights with human duties and responsibilities is of paramount importance. Although this has been a theme from the beginning of human civilization, humans have always had a tendency to undermine duties and responsibilities. Past Religious DiscoursesAlmost all religious leaders and most (ancient) philosophers emphasised the importance of human duties and responsibilities along with or separate from rights. However the pertinent question is why did the drafter’s of the UN ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)’ in 1948 overlook this side of human nature or necessity? ConclusionMore pertinent to our discussion here is the InterAction Council’s initiative, during 1996 and 1997, to bring a ‘Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities’ which in fact was a great achievement.

Source: The Nation July 13, 2021 00:11 UTC