'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'

Globalization once promised scores of people a better way of life but many of them are now disillusioned as they watch their human rights fall by the wayside.

Development, technological progress, the internet and market forces should have made the hope of a better existence for all peoples in all regions come true because according to Article1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Globalization has unleashed forces which, while they have helped many, have contributed to or worsened world-wide crises. The situation for many people in the world's poorest population has hardly improved in the wake of globalization and in many places it has deteriorated. Competition for resources is increasing.

Organizations like the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have reworked their operating procedures for companies and global investment. They want sustainability evaluations to play a role in company policy, as well as the setting of long-term goals that benefit, or at least do not harm, the environment and social stability.

However, many people, especially the socially and economically disadvantaged, are being tossed about by the turbulent process of globalization. They're looking for, and in need of, allies, partners and supporters to have a chance at the life that should be guaranteed to all: a life with dignity; a safe workplace with a wage that enables them to feed their families; and a standard of living that does not harm the health and well-being of themselves and their loved ones.

These are the rights proclaimed in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights in 1948, a document which remains one of the most hopeful pacts created by the international community.

Author: Ulrike Mast-Kirschning / sms / mm
Editor: Kyle James