Exploring the Importance of Human Rights from a Bahá'í Perspective

As we mark Human Rights Day on 10 December – honouring the United Nation’s adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – it is timely to reflect on how to move from principle to practice of human rights for all.  

A greater understanding has emerged, during the last few decades, towards the recognition and protection of human rights internationally. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international treaties and conventions inspired by it, are all significant steps. However, there is need for greater emphasis and more endeavours towards achieving the objectives of this noble undertaking.

It is the Bahá’í view that the enforcement of the noble principles included in the Declaration of Human Rights requires belief in the oneness of humanity and justice towards all: regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, or ethnic group. 

In one of its statements, the Bahá'í International Community says: “An equal standard of human rights must be upheld, and individuals given equal opportunities. Variety and not uniformity is the principle of organic society”, and that “Everyone, individually as well as in association with others, has the right and responsibility to promote the well-being, and respect for the rights, freedoms, identity and human dignity, of all other members of his or her local and national communities, as well as the international community, and to promote the well-being and respect for the identity of these communities as a whole”.

Efforts towards enforcing international human rights norms will only succeed through a conscious belief in the principle of oneness of human family. The recognition of this principle gives rise to an elevated concept of human rights, one that includes the assurance of dignity for each person and the realization of everyone’s potential. This view differs from current approaches to human rights, which are limited to preventing interference with the individual's freedom of action.

The principle of oneness of humankind is closely related to, and is a prerequisite for, the establishment of justice. In turn, justice is a prerequisite for enforcing human rights and peace. Moral virtues, such as justice and fairness, honesty and trustworthiness, courtesy and cooperation, lead to respect for the rights of others.  

World unity requires universal respect for human rights, and commitment to human rights results from the recognition of the oneness of humanity. Such recognition requires the abandonment of prejudices of every kind – race, class, colour, creed, nation, gender, degree of material wealth – everything which deludes people to consider themselves superior to others.

The notion of "universal" human rights implies a responsibility to humanity as a whole. We all have important roles and responsibilities towards implementing human rights. 

Bahá'í International Community believes that “it is impossible to implement human "rights" without a sense of collective responsibility. Indeed, if the whole of humanity is one interconnected body, then an injury to any member is an injury to the body as a whole”.

Every one of us has an important role and responsibility towards implementing fundamental human rights. When individuals assume responsibility for ensuring each other's rights, it can empower everyone in our community and give them a new sense of purpose and dignity in life.

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