Human Rights Theory, Developments, and Ethical Issues

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1945) was a response to the atrocities surrounding the Second World War. Many believe this Declaration resulted from a synthesis of three thousand years of Western (Judeo-Christian) philosophy, religion and culture. Now more than 60 years later, we ask, "have the principles outlined in the Declaration been realised in the way in which human rights are recognised and protected in today's world?" Several authors have responded to the challenge of addressing this question. Their responses are contained in the seven chapters of this text. This book examines Islamic, secular, animist, etc. societies in its search for potential advocates of human rights progress. Essential to any progress will be the willingness of individuals, faith organisations and governments to subordinate self-interests for the sake of the vulnerable human being. Until this happens, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights will remain a concept, yet to be realised.