United Nations Association-Wisconsin & Edgewood College
“The UN and the evolution of global ethics”
“The UN and the evolution of global ethics”
torture; global education; economic rights; human rights as foundation of peace; and “responsibility to protect” as a justification for coercive
intervention.
In his address, Kavaloski reminded all that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
which was passed by the U.N. General Assembly “not only (in) reaction against the ‘barbarism of World War II, but (also) represented the
culmination of over two centuries of intense social struggles against slavery, torture and the subjugation of women, minorities and lower
economic classes.”
Kavaloski credited Eleanor Roosevelt, then chair of the U.N. Human Rights Commission, for the passage of the UDHR. “Only through her
unique blend of intelligence, visionary leadership and stubborn persistence was she able to shepherd the quarrelsome committee, through
two years of arduous meetings,” he said. “... Today the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the basic platform for human rights
organizations, like Amnesty International, and justice struggles worldwide. Persecuted dissidents in such places as Zimbabwe, Burma, Tibet,
Iran and Iraq appeal to the enumerated ‘equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.’ Almost no nation fully lives up to
this lofty vision of human rights and human dignity, but all must stand to be judged by its ethical standards.”
The attendees actively participated in the discussions to share their thoughts and learn from others. After the talking, they decided to act
on their concerns. Each of them wrote a thoughtful message on a postcard to a Wisconsin member of the U.S. Congress about a particular
issue relating to human rights, social and economic development, climate change, and UN reform.
Organizers hope that many participants will continue to keep the momentum and be actively engaged in advocating for UN issues and
concerns.
intervention.
In his address, Kavaloski reminded all that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
which was passed by the U.N. General Assembly “not only (in) reaction against the ‘barbarism of World War II, but (also) represented the
culmination of over two centuries of intense social struggles against slavery, torture and the subjugation of women, minorities and lower
economic classes.”
Kavaloski credited Eleanor Roosevelt, then chair of the U.N. Human Rights Commission, for the passage of the UDHR. “Only through her
unique blend of intelligence, visionary leadership and stubborn persistence was she able to shepherd the quarrelsome committee, through
two years of arduous meetings,” he said. “... Today the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the basic platform for human rights
organizations, like Amnesty International, and justice struggles worldwide. Persecuted dissidents in such places as Zimbabwe, Burma, Tibet,
Iran and Iraq appeal to the enumerated ‘equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.’ Almost no nation fully lives up to
this lofty vision of human rights and human dignity, but all must stand to be judged by its ethical standards.”
The attendees actively participated in the discussions to share their thoughts and learn from others. After the talking, they decided to act
on their concerns. Each of them wrote a thoughtful message on a postcard to a Wisconsin member of the U.S. Congress about a particular
issue relating to human rights, social and economic development, climate change, and UN reform.
Organizers hope that many participants will continue to keep the momentum and be actively engaged in advocating for UN issues and
concerns.
“At a time when there are so many issues on which we find it difficult
to reach a common basis of agreement, it is a significant fact that 58
states have found such a large measure of agreement in the complex field
of human rights. This must be taken as a testimony of our common
aspiration first voiced in the Charter of the United Nations to lift men
everywhere to a higher standard of life and to a greater enjoyment of
freedom. Man’s desire for peace lies behind this Declaration.” — Eleanor
Roosevelt, on the occasion of the adoption of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, Dec. 9, 1948
“A strong majority believes in the idea of human rights. However,
awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [UDHR] is low. A
majority believes the world is not making enough progress on human
rights, and a majority has positive perceptions of the human rights
movement.” — World Public Opinion on Human Rights
By Heidi M. Pascual
“Human rights” has always been an issue that not only non-democratic
nations have been accused of violating, but also democratic ones. Even
our country, the United States, has been accused of violating rights of
people who have been imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay.
The United Nations has been on the forefront of advocating for human
rights and condemning those governments or groups that hide behind
“cultural traditions” as justification for ignoring the UN Declaration of
Human Rights.
The United Nations Association-Wis. Division and Edgewood College
held a day of discussions on this issue this past July 12. The event, titled
“The UN and the evolution of Global Ethics,” gathered people from a
cross-section of the Madison-area. Dr. Vincent Kavaloski, Edgewood
College professor of philosophy, delivered the keynote address. Other
presenters were Barbara Crossette, former NY Times bureau chief at
United Nations who spoke on the topic “The United Nations and the
Responsibility to Protect”; and Katy Hansen, director of UNA-Iowa Division
who tackled the topic “Building a Vision of Global Cooperation from the
Heartland.” Q&A followed each presentation and later, small groups
discussed questions such as: international women’s rights, “clash of
civilizations” - can human rights build a bridge of dialogue; justifying
to reach a common basis of agreement, it is a significant fact that 58
states have found such a large measure of agreement in the complex field
of human rights. This must be taken as a testimony of our common
aspiration first voiced in the Charter of the United Nations to lift men
everywhere to a higher standard of life and to a greater enjoyment of
freedom. Man’s desire for peace lies behind this Declaration.” — Eleanor
Roosevelt, on the occasion of the adoption of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, Dec. 9, 1948
“A strong majority believes in the idea of human rights. However,
awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [UDHR] is low. A
majority believes the world is not making enough progress on human
rights, and a majority has positive perceptions of the human rights
movement.” — World Public Opinion on Human Rights
By Heidi M. Pascual
“Human rights” has always been an issue that not only non-democratic
nations have been accused of violating, but also democratic ones. Even
our country, the United States, has been accused of violating rights of
people who have been imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay.
The United Nations has been on the forefront of advocating for human
rights and condemning those governments or groups that hide behind
“cultural traditions” as justification for ignoring the UN Declaration of
Human Rights.
The United Nations Association-Wis. Division and Edgewood College
held a day of discussions on this issue this past July 12. The event, titled
“The UN and the evolution of Global Ethics,” gathered people from a
cross-section of the Madison-area. Dr. Vincent Kavaloski, Edgewood
College professor of philosophy, delivered the keynote address. Other
presenters were Barbara Crossette, former NY Times bureau chief at
United Nations who spoke on the topic “The United Nations and the
Responsibility to Protect”; and Katy Hansen, director of UNA-Iowa Division
who tackled the topic “Building a Vision of Global Cooperation from the
Heartland.” Q&A followed each presentation and later, small groups
discussed questions such as: international women’s rights, “clash of
civilizations” - can human rights build a bridge of dialogue; justifying
Photos from the UNA conference: Registration; lunch
conversations; small group discussions
conversations; small group discussions