[Proposal] Universal Declaration of Human and Sentient Species Rights

Nightsong

Bookworm
The Office of International Services of The Rose League wishes to put forward the following proposal for discussion by the members of the Assembly of Nations. The proposal carries the current title of 'Universal Declaration of Human and Sentient Species Rights' and was authored by Elizabeth O'Shea, The Rose League's representative to the International Association of Nations.

Universal Declaration of Human and Sentient Species Rights:
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all men and women is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas the peoples of the International Association of Nations have reaffirmed their faith in the fundamental rights of humans and sentient species, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women, as well as the dignity and worth and equal rights of sentient species, have determined to uphold the inalienable rights of all to promote the betterment of all within their society,

Whereas disregard and contempt for the rights of humans and sentient species have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings, as well as other sentient species, shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if all are not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human and sentient species rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas Member States of the International Association of Nations have pledged themselves to achieve the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human and sentient species rights and fundamental freedoms,

Now, Therefore the Assembly of Nations proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human and Sentient Species Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that the various national governments of Eras, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive through leadership and example, the promotion and respect for these rights and freedoms among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article I
(1) This Declaration acknowledges all nations of Eras as sovereign and as such, it shall not infringe upon any civil or political right guaranteed by a national government as these rights are viewed as sacrosanct.
(2) This Declaration shall both protect the civil and political rights of citizens as guaranteed to them by their national government as well as further civil and political rights that are the inalienable right of all men and women of Eras.

Article II
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any Member State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Article III
The Member States of the International Association of Nations shall promote the realization of the right of self-determination, and shall respect that right, in conformity with the provisions of this Declaration.

Article IV
All peoples are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood.

Article V
All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Article VI
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as species, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political affiliation, or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Article VII
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article VIII
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and human trafficking and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article IX
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article X
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article XI
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article XII
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him or her by the constitution of their home country or by this Declaration.

Article XIII
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article XIV
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article XV
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state and within the bounds of that country's laws.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his or her own, and to return to his or her country at a time of their choosing.
(3) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(4) No one shall be deprived of his or her nationality nor denied the right to change his or her nationality at any point in their life.

Article XVI
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article XVII
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article XVIII
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his or her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his or her country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.

Article IX
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his or her personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his or her rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedom of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the International Association of Nations.

Article XX
Everyone in entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
 
The August Consular Office has considered inviting nomination and sponsorships for this legislation to go to vote, but declines to and wishes to invite those collected to continue debate.
 
The Empire seconds the August motion. We wish to see commentation made on this proposal.
 
Mouxordia motions to change the wording of "men and women" throughout the proposal to something more generally applicable. Although the use of such words may be seen and pragmatically applied to everyone by more critically-thinking nations, our delegation sees the opportunity for miscommunication, ignorance, and violation of rights of those who do not identify as male nor female. It is through such thoughts that we suggest the use of the word "Mankind" (with a capital 'M') and "species". Alternatively, the definition of "men and women" may be thoroughly explained in its own sentence, e.g., "The use of the words 'men' and 'women' in this declaration do not specifically refer to the gender of individuals, but is rather a blanket-term to address more simply all humans and species on Eras within the confines of this declaration." Of course, thoughts and suggestions to improve upon the wording are much-welcomed.
 
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