:: A New May Day
"Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…"
So begins the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Article 3 is the first cornerstone of the Declaration: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."
Article 22 is the second cornerstone of the Declaration: "Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality."
The Declaration proclaims that every human being is born free, equal and has the right to life, liberty and the opportunity to fulfill her or his destiny. This encompasses worker's rights.
Two international multi-lateral treaties give legal force to the principles of the Declaration and provide the basis whereby the people can seek freedom and justice on the world stage. They are the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
We the people of this planet in order to have this planet and protect the future for our children must now clutch muguet to our hearts every May 1st and vow that the achievement of the principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be our first order of business.
[ Word version ]