What will human rights look like in 1,000,000 years?
I developed the Universal Declaration of Respect for the Condition of Sentience (UDRCS) through my work at The PACS Institute to reimagine the foundation of rights. This declaration broadens our understanding of human rights by recognizing the inherent value of all sentient beings—those capable of feeling emotions and pain. My vision is to shift the focus beyond just human rights, inviting people to think about empathy, compassion, and our responsibilities to all forms of life.
Why This Declaration is Important
The declaration aims to foster a world where respect for every sentient being is the norm. It advocates for the recognition, protection, and advancement of sentient beings worldwide. For example, it suggests policies to ban harmful practices like factory farming and promotes empathy-based education programs. A successful example of this approach is the "Sentient Animals Protection Act" passed in several European countries, which bans cruel farming practices and integrates empathy education into schools.
Definition of Sentience
Sentience is defined as the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively. This declaration emphasizes that all sentient beings have inherent value, autonomy, and individuality. The framework used to create this declaration was developed during my MA Human Rights thesis, where I sought a universal common ground that could form the basis for human rights. By focusing on shared human experiences and values, I aimed to create a foundation that could be extended to all sentient beings.
Core Principles and Practical Application
The declaration is built on the principles of compassion, empathy, and respect. It promotes creating social structures that honor these values. Examples include:
Community-Led Support Networks: Ensuring that all individuals have access to basic needs.
Legal Protections: Establishing laws to protect the autonomy and rights of all sentient beings.
Education Systems: Emphasizing empathy and the importance of treating all beings with dignity.
An existing model that embodies these principles is the Compassionate Communities Project in Canada, which provides support networks for vulnerable populations and promotes empathy-focused education and policy changes.
Fred & Frid: A Political Movement Inspired by the Framework
The framework I developed has also inspired the foundation of a new political party in Sweden called Fred & Frid (Peace & Tranquility). This party aims to promote peace, respect, and tranquility for all sentient beings as central political goals. It focuses on building a compassionate society through policies that protect human rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Ongoing Efforts and Goals
Through this initiative, I aim to advance public understanding and establish a foundation for policies that protect the rights of sentient beings. Currently, I am:
Organizing Public Workshops: To raise awareness about sentience and empathy.
Collaborating with Educational Institutions: To integrate empathy-based learning into curriculums.
Partnering with Policymakers: To draft guidelines that protect the rights of sentient beings.