What is this document?
Humans disagree on many aspects of how our societies should be run. We support various political and economic systems, religions, ideologies and values, while rejecting others. But at least what most of us can agree on is that we all deserve a dignified and happy life.
This document is an attempt to distill into a short manifesto what the humanity wants, what it deserves, and what it should fight for. Not in a form of a law written by the establishment that’s meaningless in practice, but as a grassroots consensus.
It’s a demand – binding the continued existence of governments to the continued fulfilment of our basic needs and genuine respect for our inherent rights as human beings.
Isn't there already a Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
There sure is! And it’s an amazing achievement on the way of humanity living up to its full potential. But we can take those ideas further.
UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Existing governments have agreed to grant us some rights – at least on paper. But if we all have a right to “a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being […] including food, clothing, housing and medical care”, then why are so many of us hungry, poor, homeless and sick?
Let’s flip the script. Our fundamental human rights are not just one of the laws made up by governments – respected by some of them, despised by others. They are the basis of all law and legitimisation of any government.
It’s very telling that the UNHR grants us a right to “take part in the government” through “periodic and genuine elections” – but not a right to abolish a government that betrays its mission of making sure that we all live a dignified and happy life.
That’s why we’re proclaiming a set of rights that are not given, but taken. Not conditional, but fundamental. Not vague and aspirational, but real.
How legally binding is this document?
As much as we make it. In other words: exactly the same as any other law.
Laws only have the power we’re willing to give them. Some are being followed willingly – because we believe them to be just and necessary. Others are forced upon us by the ruling class through violence and coercion, by police and armies.
But we can’t forget that we are the army that they fear the most.
What can I do with this document?
Whatever you want. It doesn’t belong to anyone.
But ideally: read it, share it, and demand that your government respects it!
Article 0 – Preamble
We, The People, all over the Earth, declare our collective decision:
- to recognise our inherent and inviolable Dignity and Humanity,
- to grant each other the Human Rights we all deserve,
- to demand a genuine pursuit of full realisation of those Rights from all power that wishes to remain a power.
Article 1 – Power and Government
All power belongs to The People.
The Government is The People organising themselves in order to provide for their needs, to agree on common rules, enforce them, and to ensure each other’s Human Rights.
The Government derives its power solely from the consent of the governed.
The People have a moral right and a tangible power to shape, impact, alter and abolish The Government.
Article 2 – Fundamental Human Rights
Everybody has the right to live, to be free, and to freely decide about their life.
Everybody is recognised as a person before the law, is equal before the law, and shall be guaranteed equal rights, equal protections and equal opportunities. Nobody can be discriminated against based on their inherent characteristics.
Everybody has the right to peace and security in a disarmed world that values cooperation over enmity.
Everybody has the right to personal safety, to freedom from torture and inhumane treatment.
Everybody has the right to clean and safe environment.
Everybody has the right to their personal possessions and to jointly own possessions with others.
Everybody has the right to privacy and secrecy of communication; to be free of interference with their family life, home, and correspondence; to be protected from attacks on their honour and reputation.
Every child shall be under special protection and provided with a safe environment to grow and develop.
Article 3 – Universal Basic Needs
Everybody has the right to have their basic needs met.
Everybody has the right to nutritious, healthy food, and fresh, clean drinking water.
Everybody has the right to a safe and warm dwelling, appropriate clothing and necessary energy.
Everybody has the right to easily access information, methods of communication, and collective transportation.
Everybody has the right to medical care and social care.
Everybody has the right to education.
Everybody is free to travel and relocate.
Article 4 – Societal Rights
Everybody has the right to free speech, free thought, free belief, and free expression.
Everybody has the right to peacefully associate and assemble with others.
Everybody has the right to participate in political life of the society and to decide on use of shared resources.
Everybody has the right to participate in economic activities; to work under fair and just conditions, to freely choose employment, and to trade with others. All workers have the right to a fair share of the fruits of their labour and co-ownership of their workplaces.
Everybody has the right to participate in the cultural and scientific life of the society and to enjoy its fruits; creators have the right to the protection of the moral and material interests related to their creation.
Everybody has the right to clear and transparent information regarding operations and financing of The Government and political parties.
Article 5 – Limitations
We recognise that it might be necessary to limit specific rights of individuals and groups, if they commit crimes against their society, or in order to maintain security, safety, health, rights and freedom of others, social order, competition, or the environment. That must however happen only within clear and reasonable rules determined by The People, codified into a law, and with intent of rebuilding relationships and restoring balance to affected communities.
Everybody has the right to fair trial: to be assumed innocent until proven guilty, to be heard by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal, to be heard within a reasonable time, to request and receive counseling, interpretation, and public hearing.
Expropriation is only allowed when it would highly benefit the public, it’s done for a fair compensation, and has the consent of the relevant Government body.
The enumeration of Humans Rights in this document cannot be interpreted as an exhaustive list that denies people rights not listed explicitly.
In order to ensure the Human Rights, everybody is obliged to respect rights and freedoms of others and to contribute their fair share to their community according to their ability.