The Charter of Human Responsibilities

Reflection on the Asian Citizens Assembly: Our Commonalities and Shared Responsibilities

Pinky CASTELO CUPINO — 2010-08-30T23:17:12Z

by Benru Z. Martinez, PhD
Charter for Human Responsibilities and Practicing Asian Anthropologist
on Wednesday, August 25, 2010

One of the realizations in my participation to the Asian is my renewed appreciation on our commonalities as Asians, our shared culture, and the growing Asian consciousness and share responsibilities as Global Citizens. Traditional anthropologists have focused on the diversity and complexity of Asian culture. More often than not, the focus is on village community level. This may have been the legacy of colonial anthropology, which focused on differences rather than the commonalities of cultures across, the sub regional and regional landscape. There is therefore a need for a balanced perspective, one that combines inquiry on the diversity and complexity on one hand and an inquiry on the universality and commonalities. Researchers also need to examine the relationship or the tension between diversity, commonality and unity. There are several areas of commonalities and shared responsibilities as Asians, these include the shared environment, common biological and socio-psychological needs, shared cultural heritage and interconnected economic and political history on sub regional and regional area. The impact of Asian pop culture and Asian Diaspora both in and out of Asia may have significant impact on the growing Asian consciousness.

Shared Environment

The sharing during the youth and intergeneration sessions and breakout groups identified the shared environment as one concern. The Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and the China Sea, with the shared borders with each other across Asia were identified as share concern and responsibility. The issue of climate change and the associated risks and disaster has become a concern among the youth. Disasters such as the tsunami that affected Thailand and Indonesia, or the Earthquakes that hit India, or the floods brought in by the La Nina or drought as a result of the el Niño are all part of the climate change.
The sushi that we ate in Tokyo, Japan came from the yellow fin tuna or blue marlin that was hatched in the Gulf of General Santos in the Philippines, coming around the seas of Indonesia and Malaysia, and getting around China Sea before coming back to the Philippines to lay their eggs. The cycle then starts all over again. The migratory sea turtles travelling the East Australian Current, the migratory birds escaping the harsh winter environment from China, Europe and America going to the wetland of tropic Asia are part of the shared environment and protecting them from extinction is also part of our shared responsibilities for the ecology.

Common Biological and Socio-psychological Needs

All of us need to eat, sleep, be recognized as an individual, belong to a family or have a family of our own, study or have a self respecting livelihood. The sharing during the off sessions reminded me of these commonalities. Anthropologist often says, all human are alike, some human are alike and no human being are alike. All of us are descendants of common ancestors who first walk the plains of Laetoli, Africa. We are said to have evolved from the Australopithecus Afarencis, Homo Erectus, Home Habilis and then later the Homo Sapiens. The migration to the different parts of the world and the isolation from each other resulted in further biological differentiation as a result of adaptation to the environment. From the Austronesians, Negroid, Tibeto-Burmese, Aryan came the different racial stock of the Asians each sharing specific combination of genetic make-up and physical attributes. The Filipinos can be mistaken for Indonesian or Malaysian or vice versa. This is in the same manner as we often mistake the Indian with the Sri Lankan. The people in Jordan, Iran or Azeri can be confused with the other nationalities from the region. The increase interaction among different nationalities, migration and intermarriage has contributed in increasing the genetic homogeneity. Nowadays, we can find Malaysian Chinese in France or a Hawaiian with Japanese Descent or a Filipino American in China. This was also apparent during the Asian Citizens Assembly.

The most important realization here is that beyond the colour of our skin and other physical attributes is that, we have same biological and genetic constituency and that our biological and socio-psychological needs are universal and that culture and identity defines how society must respond to these needs. The cultural response may look different in form but are often have substantive similarities. Even as we speak different languages, there are other forms of communication which let us express our needs through gestures and body language.

Share Cultural Heritage

Sharing on the language among the participants, have shown the extent of cultural affinity. Indonesian, Malaysians and Filipino, as part of the Austronesia or Malayo-Polynesian find similar words that were often thought to be unique in their language. We also find the South Asian (India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) to some extent sharing different aspect of culture such as religion (Islam, Hindu, Buddhists), or even the food we eat. In the same manner that the people of the Greater Mekong sub region or West Asia also shares different aspects of the culture of the region.

Interconnected economic and political history

However, there are other aspects of commonality that are often conveniently ignored or side lighted. These include the shared historical experience of the Asian Countries with western colonization. Most of the current political and economic issues within each country and sometimes with their neighbours can be traced to the legacy of colonialism. The ethnic conflict in Mindanao in the Philippines, Aceh and West Papua in Indonesia, Nagorno Karabak in Azerbaijan, and elsewhere in Asia is a result of the conflict over land and access to resources. The colonialist imposed the regalian doctrine and in one sweep disenfranchised the indigenous people from their land. It is from this legal fiction that provided the state with the justification for claiming the power of eminent domain. The colonial rule also transformed the native elite, who were instrumental in perpetuating the colonial rule. This eroded the traditional social and economic safety nets often associated with the role of big man and traditional leaders.

Asian pop culture, Asian Diaspora and other modes of cultural exchange

The sharing among participants about their interest in each other's pop culture validated my previous observation on the globalizing impact of Asian pop culture, role of Diasporas and other mode of cultural exchange. For instance, the Filipino youth fondness of Korean or Japanese pop song has generated strong interest learning their language and understanding their culture. In the same manner, Indonesian youth had become a fan of popular actors such as Christian Bautista or Jericho Rosales, actress Christine Hermosa of boxer Manny Pacquiao. As a result, they have learned the songs of these popular pop icons in a language that is foreign to them. Other popular Asian actors and actress such as Carmen Su of Malaysian, Kim Bam of Korea, Jerry Yan and Barbie Su of Taiwan are phenomenal hits in other parts of Asia. The enthusiastic appreciation of the different cultural presentation during the Asian citizens Forum also validates my observation about their acceptance of each other's culture, whether pop or traditional. In the process, the youth discovered that youth everywhere share the same angst, needs and aspiration, as seen the different Asian Telenovela, such as the Korean coffee prince or the Taiwanese meteor garden of F4 which also has a Japanese and a Korean Version. Exposure to western pop culture also enable them to observe the difference between the western and Asian cultural perspectives, albeit in a more subtle and intuitive manner.

I think, one of the factors for the growing acceptance of each other's culture is also due to the pervasive presence of different Diasporas in almost every part of Asia. There are Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Indonesian migrant workers in almost all countries in Asia and outside of Asia. They are often constituted, as small communities or as virtual communities, and serving as a platform of cultural exchange, sharing specific items of their own culture to the host communities. The diapora is also assimilated into the culture of their host communities. These overseas virtual communities or Diaspora also share some aspect of the culture they acquire from the host country to their home country or their community of origin. Other members of the Diaspora include the Filipino domestic helpers and care giver in Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan, and Malaysia and even as far as Azerbaijan also impacts on the children and youth. Filipino teachers, doctors and nurses also have significant impacts in the education and health. Each one of them is carrier of their respective cultures and impacting on their host country.

Other mode of cultural exchange that contributes to the globalization of Asian identity and culture include tourism. Asia has been increasingly a favoured destination for other Asian countries. We can find horde of Korean, Chinese or Japanese in Laos, Thailand, Philippines or Indonesia. Tourist has different motivation for visiting these countries. Aside from sightseeing and experiencing the hospitality of the host culture, these countries also cater to specific needs such as medical tourism or educational tourism. Koreans, Japanese or Chinese have found the Philippines a good place to study English. Aside from the reducing the cost of travel and matriculation, they find the Filipino hospitality better compared to the western countries.

The Role of Asian Citizens Assembly

The Asian Citizens Assembly can play an important role in identifying and developing the shared spaces that Asians can work together not as representatives of specific ethnic identity and cultures or nation but as Asians and Global Citizens. The current trends in Asian pop culture, where pop icons significantly impacts on the youth can be ambassador of goodwill and can have significant influence in developing a cultural identity and sensibilities that good beyond the traditional cultural and national borders. During the conference, the exchanges among the participants about their favourite Asian actors, actress or athlete have globalizing impact among the youth.

The inter-generational dialogue has expanded the platform of intercultural exchange to include pop culture and aspects of culture that are often not included the international conferences and dialogue among the soon to become senior or senior citizens. The youth and retired youth most of the time does not care about diplomatic protocol and do not have hats and mask to protect. They can be free of the diplomatic trappings that hinders sharing and exploration of common grounds for understanding and cooperation.
As a retired youth, I can empathise with the youth and their youthful arrogance, an attitude that Senior Citizens find revolting as they seek to liberate themselves from the bounds of tradition and old school. As incoming Senior Citizens, I think that the youth also owe the older generation the respect and filial piety they deserve. They should also recognize that there are lessons to be learned in the past so not to be repeating the same mistakes of the older generation. The intellectual and social capital of the older generation can be put to good use. Younger generation can also learn from the mistakes and improve on the gains and accomplishment of the older generations.

Having worked with international organizations seeking to eliminate poverty in Asia and the Pacific, and the rest of the world, there are good social development programs that can be emulated. These social development programs also includes the social and environmental safeguards that enhance the sensibilities of the official development assistance package that in the past displace the marginalized people and created pockets of poverty as a result of displacement and differential access to resources or disparity in the enjoyment of benefits. The issue of graft and corruption in the governments of Asia is one concern that international organizations have increasingly become aware and has contributed to empowering the different stakeholders, which include the marginalized citizens by providing avenues for informed participation not only on the program implementation but also in the governance process.

As Global Citizens in Asia, we can learn from each other. The different environmental, social development, political and economic initiatives can provide examples on how to or how not to design, manage and implement programs and project. As individual citizens it is our shared responsibility to become aware of initiatives in our country that can improve our lives but also we should be aware of those which hinder our development. We can in our small ways advocate for change and become part of the Asian movement and economy that seek to replace social, political and economic institutions with one that is oriented for inclusive and sustainable development. This development paradigm has triple bottom line of development or planet, people and profit. This concept can be merged with the thematic areas of global and local action as discussed during the Asian Citizens Assembly, or the 5 E or Ecology, Education, Economy, Equity and Ethnics. Each one of the E has important contribution in promoting the shared vision of the participants of the Assembly. We can only hope that the energy and enthusiasm can be carried forward and the participants when we come back to our own respective country will implement the shared vision and mission, and the activities we have set for ourselves.

THE CONFINT HAS ENDED TO BE BORN AGAIN

Ricardo JIMENEZ — 2010-06-21T01:26:00Z

by Lucía Mariana Alvites and Ricardo Jiménez
http://confintchile.blogspot.com/

From June 5 to 10, 2010, Luziania, Brasilia, was the epicenter of a meeting of diverse voices, colors, energy, and a lot of joy. Nearly 53 countries from the 5 continents participated in the Children and Youth International Conference “Let's Take Care of the Planet,” final destination of a process that involved millions of people around the world, in which our boys and girls, with their ideas, proposals and dreams, were the main protagonists.

During those five days of intense activities, about 400 girls and boys were able to share the experiences they had brought with them from their countries to rescue the planet from the abuse and negligence of the previous generations. In their sincere and simple words, they spoke about the projects implemented in each of their schools, and the responsibilities that in most cases, they had already assumed individually to take care of this great house that is our planet. They also participated in workshops on climate change, care for water and energy, the life cycle of objects and the need for recycling, among so many other themes.

With the help of more than 80 young facilitators from each of the participating countries, and on the basis of the principles “young person chooses young person,” “the young educate the young,” and “one generation learns from the other,” the girls and boys who were delegated to the Confint drafted a Charter with nine responsibilities and their corresponding actions. A Charter that transcends cultures, languages, a past made of conflicts and ressentiment among nations; a call for ethics and to think about humankind so that once and for all, we understand that we are part of Earth and its nature, that this is our only home, and that we have to love it and take care of it. About 80 accompanying adults who had been involved in the national processes and specialists in environmental themes also had their days of sharing, debates and thinking.

The Charter of Responsibilities of the Girls and Boys of the World “Let's Take Care of the Planet” was also expressed in the universal language of music, through the Musical Charter of Responsibilities that was composed by a group comprising a delegate from each of the participating countries, who gave life to the magic of strings, percussions, brass, and a huge and tender choir that sang a song of hope and future.

The Confint was more, however, than just a formal discussion in workshops and places set out for conversation. It was also nights of cultural festivities where the world expressed itself in all its colors and textures; it was girls and boys dancing in enormous circles with facilitators and accompanying adults, to the beat of Mother Earth; it was the challenge of the coexistence of cultures and futures.

The Confint was the end of the national processes paving the way to a process that was diverse and international, but with common responsibilities; and now, reading the Charter of Responsibilities born out of this great process, we understand that there is no end, and to paraphrase a Peruvian thinker, we are sure that the Confint has ended to be born again.

It will be born again, especially through the Virtual Community set up and coordinated by boys and girls all over the world, and through the commitment of each of the delegates to take back to their countries the responsibilities and actions that were assumed, particularly that of getting the local, regional, and national authorities to undersign this Charter.

A Brief Review of various Initiatives on Charter of Human Responsibilities in Nepal - 2010

Sudha REDDY — 2010-05-09T20:45:00Z

Nepal is facing series of threats and challenges at present context. The issues and problems do not confine within its political system only; it is influencing the whole structure such as socio- cultural and economic development process very adversely. At this juncture, adoption and promotion of cultures of Responsibility is the only access, which can offer the right track to address such issues.

With this view, Rahat a research oriented social organization, based at Kathmandu, Nepal and also a part of CHR Asia Alliance, came forward with this ambitious agenda launching of CHR to promote the cultures of Responsibility in Nepal.

The specific initiatives and endeavors are illustrated briefly as follows:

Formation of Rahat CHR core group Nepal

On 1st February 2010 CHR core group Nepal was formulated comprising of nine members from the various key sectors and professions, such as senior politician, joint secretary of Nepal government, academic, advocate, high level personal from social welfare council / gender and development sectors, activists, and development experts etc. The CHR core group is chaired by Rahat.

The first meeting was held on 3rd February 2010 at Kathmandu, which was covered by National Daily- Nepal Samachar Patra on its regular issue of 4th February 2010. As per the mandate of the meeting, a brochure/leaflet was prepared by Rahat with the background, vision and mission of CHR which included its ten guiding principles along with Rahat's commitment, stand and implementing strategies. Similarly another prime resolution of the meeting was to organize a high level symposium on CHR to promote the culture of responsibilities in Nepal, which was very effectively and successfully carried out on 23rd February, 2010 at Kathmandu, this was followed by series of events, such as: conducting class for university students, Meeting with high level government officials in Election Commission, NGO visits and Consultations with partner organizations, observations analysis, monitoring and evaluation on CHR launching and Responsibilities Culture promotion symposium /events in Rahat CHR core group Nepal Meeting.

A week Long Follow- up Events for: Charter Of Human Responsibilities / CHR to promote the Culture Of Responsibilities in Nepal:

February-24, 2010
An Interaction Session was organized at Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal on "Responsible Economy in the context of Globalization "for M. Phil. Students. Ms. Sudha Reddy, Asia Coordinator for CHR gave her orientation on the ‘Responsible Economy'. The session was very lively, interactive and interesting with alternative dimension to mainstream economics. Various questions were addressed by Ms. Reddy for the students. Prof. Dr. Madhavi Singh faculty of the Department and also the chairperson of Rahat was present during the orientation session.

February-25, 2010
A consultation meeting was held at the National Election Commission, Kantipath, Kathmandu with the cooperation of the member-Rahat CHR core group Nepal and also Joint secretary of Nepal Government Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma at his office. Ms. Sudha Reddy, Asia Coordinator and Dr. Madhavi Singh Chairperson of Rahat were present in the meeting with prime agenda on the application of CHR during the election process. In-depth discussions took place regarding the application of CHR at the government level, and specific to election Commission. Development of training modules and other Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials on the principles of CHR for educating the citizens on their responsibility in exercising their voting rights were the prime agenda of the meeting. Almost 12 high level officials including Joint Secretary and Under Secretary actively participated in the meeting.

Major outcome: The Joint Secretary suggested Rahat to write an official letter to The Election Commission with CHR and its application in the Election Commission.

February-26, 2010
Some leading organizations were visited and observed by Ms. Sudha Reddy and Dr. Madhavi Singh to set up a friendly relationship and coordination, net working for the cause and promotion of CHR in Nepal. In this regard, Stri Shakti located at Kathmandu district and Crehpa located at Lalitpur district were visited.

A consultation meeting for networking and coordination of the program was organized in Crehpa's office. A brief introductory remark on CHR and its guiding principles was highlighted by Ms. Reddy. Dr. Madhavi Singh briefed the Nepalese scenario and also gave a short review on CHR with its relevancy and need in Nepalese prospective. Almost ten organizations have been identified for the Networking at this initial phase which will be obviously enlarged and extended to the possible extent. Representatives from the various organizations forwarded their queries regarding CHR.

February 27, 2010
Last but not least, a joint meeting of Rahat's Board and Rahat CHR core group, Nepal was called on Kathmandu to evaluate and monitor the accomplished activities and to discuss about the future strategy of Rahat regarding the CHR. Ms. Sudha Reddy South Asia Coordinator for CHR briefed about the global / regional activities and significance of CHR. However the members were delighted for the very meaningful and result oriented break through of CHR in Nepal. The symposium has enabled to generate the attention and commitments from the very high levels. The meeting decided and expressed its determination to give a lively movement of CHR in future too by driving this agenda ahead both in national international scenario. The meeting provided the mandate to three persons working committee with full authority to present ‘Duties and Responsibilities' to the Constitution committee, Election Commission and other concerned.
A suggestion came from Sudha Reddy to introduce CHR in Nepal Bar Council/ Association to the advocate, Mr. Komal P Ghimire of CHR Core group.

Recent Developments on CHR
On 12 March, 2010 a consultation meeting of CHR working committee was held at Kathmandu, which has made following decisions to formulation one year program for the year 2010:

a. Developing [1] a 'Folder for Rahat's Stand and Initiatives on CHR' consisting all materials along with its future strategies and to submit it with organizational request for the application of CHR in the high level national concerned sectors.
b. Interactions: with Media / NGOs and other potential partners.
c. Trainings: to Youths / Students /Activists.
d. Participation in concerned programs, rally and in public forums at particular occasion and date for the promotion of culture of CHR.
e. Publication, Documentation of Information Education communication /IEC material on CHR and its dissemination or circulation extensively.
f. Advocacy at all levels on CHR / Setting up of Public Forums to promote CHR.

Dr. Madhavi Singh, Rahat, Nepal & Ms. Sudha Reddy, Asia Coordinator, India

[1] Developed a folder consisting of all relevant documents about Rahat's initiation on CHR, with an institutional covering letter to submit to the following authorities: President's office, Prime Minister's office, Constituent Assembly, National Planning Commission, Bar Association, National Human Right Commission, NGO/ INGO Federation etc within two weeks and to organize a press release for media coverage.

Symposium on "CHR to Promote the Culture of Responsibilities in Nepal"

Sudha REDDY — 2010-05-06T23:20:21Z

Symposium on "Charter of Human Responsibilities
to Promote the Culture of Responsibilities in Nepal"

Kathmandu, Nepal on 23rd February 2010

A symposium was organized at Kathmandu, Nepal on 23rd February 2010 by Rahat- Nepal in collaboration with CHR and Sahajeevan- India in order to launch and promote CHR in Nepal. And in response to the call for corporate social responsibility, logistics was partly supported by Surya Nepal a major corporate house in Nepal. Approximately fifty plus distinguished participants form Political, Government, Non government, Development, Academic, Media, Corporate and Legal sectors actively participated in the program. Basically there were two sessions: Inaugural session and working session. The program started at 8.30 am and concluded at 5.00 pm. Ms. Sudha Sreenivasa Reddy, Asia Coordinator for CHR also actively participated the symposium by introducing and sharing her views on CHR and presenting a paper in the event.

In fact, the symposium has proved very productive especially because of the meaningful outputs. It succeeded to draw the attention, commitment and views of top level personals/state actors and key stakeholders. Moreover it has been able to add a mile-stone in its way ahead to setup the CHR and promote the culture of Responsibilities in Nepal.

Inaugural Session:

Honorable chairperson of Constituent Assembly Mr. Subhash Chandra Neawang kindly consented to be the Chief Guest of the program. He inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional Nepalese lamp Panas. Rt .honorable chairperson and chief guest of the program Mr. Nemwang highlighted the relevancy of CHR in Nepal at current scenario. He congratulated and thanked Rahat for its thoughtful and meaningful initiatives and commitment towards the setting up of CHR in the country. He expressed his hope that CHR will be not confined as an important agenda only but Rahat will extend and continue its untiring endevour to carryout and adopt it in the form of culture, practicing it from grass root to policy level in their concerned areas.

Another key speaker of the program, Prof. Dr. Pushkar Bajrachary, Honorable member of National Planning Commission stated that disparities and misbalance of Rights and Responsibilities especially in the developing society or state can be found in wider gap due to the slackness in implementation of law / order and other socioeconomic and development backwardness. Furthermore, he added the ignorant, illiterate and the people living in extreme poverty obviously may not be very much aware on the balance of Rights and Responsibilities and this gap may be wider in underdeveloped society and country which need to be narrowed down uplifting the people's level of awareness and promoting the developmental facilities as well. Definitely, big power brings big responsibilities with it. He presented a couple of examples with sharp realities. He emphasized, now the time has come to be responsible not only towards the human kind but even towards the nature itself. Since, the irresponsible and heavy exploitation of natural components may challenge or already challenged the humanity at present and in worst form in future. So, responsibilities are very deep concerns for both human and non human living form and nature itself.

While introducing CHR, its background and the commitment of FPH in the symposium, the Asia coordinator of CHR Sudha Reddy spoke on the need for culture of responsibility, relevance of CHR in South Asia and in countries like India and Nepal. She illustrated how the culture of the responsibility in any sector can prove an effective tool or ethical framework to manage the present chaotic situation of South Asia and the world itself. Finally she proposed the idea of Universal Declaration of Universal Responsibilities as unique complimentary to Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Prof. Dr. Madhavi Singh President of Rahat and also the chair person of the Symposium briefed the present transitional scenario of Nepal and expressed her deep concerns and anxiety on behalf of Rahat and in her own as citizen of Nepal on the degraded situation of law and order, social security, economy and the whole development process it self in her Welcome and Program- Highlights speech.

Moreover, she illustrated, although, People's ardent desire for Democracy and sincere endevour to achieve it contributed to, bring drastic political changes within the country, enabling people sovereign to exercise their civil rights, but creating serious threats for peace and security challenging the peaceful, secured lives. It totally failed to deliver in the development of socio- economic sector. However, these historic achievements and changes have failed to meet the people's expectation or desire for peace and prosperity.
She added corporate security has been threatened violently and not only the public private investments and corporate enhancement have been set back, even the existence does not seem viable. Actually, rights and responsibility ‘coincide', they are complimentary to each other. Rights get perfection if used with Responsibilities, she added.
Finally Dr. Madhavi Singh urged to proceed towards Responsibilities, together, to make this world a better place to live in. A violence free world …a Responsible world….a perfect world …

Mr. Ravi K.C. Senior General Manager of Surya Nepal congratulated Rahat for its timely initiation on CHR, and he shared that investment or corporate friendly environment is must for the over all development of a country. So, he stressed for the concerned stake's responsibilities to preserve corporate security and create a conducive environment for the growth of both public private investments.

At, the end of Inaugural Session Dr. Chapala Koirala Vice president of Rahat, shared a brief introduction of Rahat. What it has accomplished and where it is heading to; Moreover, She briefed, Rahat has been working in socio economic development sectors. Its main thrust has been seeking the concerns and commitment from social-political authorities as well as from the governance and other Key Stake holders towards their responsibilities for the society and nation at large. Rahat has been advocating for the rights of the deprived women group with developing a sense of responsibilities towards their family, society and nation. In this connection, she recalled Rahat organized a consensus building workshop of Security Forces / Nepal Police, to bring into light the degraded situation of security in the country. Similarly, it developed a "Code of Ethics" to safeguard the professional interest of female employees of cabin restaurants, which was submitted to Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare, on November 2006, later on, the ministry formed a committee under the chairmanship of the secretary of the ministry, which consisted of major stake holders to look into the issue. Rahat was also appointed as an active member of the committee. With the consultation of its members, the revised version of the “Code of Ethics” was forwarded to the Supreme Court. The Verdict and Procedural Guidelines was issued by the Supreme Court for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment against Working Women at Workplaces like Cabin / Dance Restaurants on 2065/8/13 B.S. which has clearly spelled out and managed for the provision of "District Monitoring and Action Committee".

With this, she expressed, her sincere gratitude to the Rt. Hon. chief guest Mr Subash Chadra Nemwang for his gracious presence on the event, Hon. member of National Planning Commission, Prof. Pushker Bajracharya, Ms. Sudha Reddy for her deep concern in opening a chapter on Charter of Human Responsibilities in Nepal, Honorable Members of Parliament, Senior Politicians. She added her indebtedness to Surya Nepal for its interest to support this program with the realization of corporate responsibilities to the important issue. Finally, She extended her heart felt thanks to the august participants and the Resource Persons from various sectors, who shared their valuable experiences to make the event highly successful and result oriented.

Working Session:

Altogether, four different dimension's commendable papers were presented in the working session followed by question / answer duration after each presentation.

Dr. Narayan Khadka, member of parliament, Nepali Congress shared on culture of responsible politics. He stated that, the creation of a peaceful, harmoniously co existing, an equitable and just world with humanity , respect for human rights, cultural diversity and culture of fairness is in the best interest of all people across the world. The planet cannot remain divided for too long between the very rich and the very poor, between conflict ridden and the stable worlds, neither can it sustain for long without collectively caring for the deteriorating environment. Politics is key to addressing most of the social, political, cultural and environmental ills humanity is facing today. We must understand that local, national and global politics cannot remain separated from the moral and legal responsibility towards the people it serves. Hence, politics must be loaded with two basic values, the culture of responsibility and the respect for human rights. These values must be accepted as universally accepted and applied principles.

Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Joint Secretary of Election Commission of Nepal and core group member presented a paper on “Socio-cultural and Economic Agenda”. He highlighted that Nepal as a transitional society after a decade of armed conflict issues on rights and responsibilities are being very prominent and significant. The paper emphasized on the need of change on the Nepali tendency to seek only rights and not sensitive to responsibilities. Rights and responsibilities are two aspects of a coin and “no responsibility no rights” culture must be promoted in Nepali society.

Women and minority ethnic groups are lagging behind in socio-cultural and economic arena of the society. Every aspect of society and state must be sensitized on the sense of responsibilities to serve the weaker section of women and ethnic minority. The paper also emphasized on the corporate responsibilities to address the issues on gender and ethnical groups. Being a socially and economically growing sector of the society corporate sector should take responsibilities to take care of the issues amicably and responsibly.

The presentation was focused on Rights and responsibilities in Nepali context, socio-cultural and economic agenda regarding gender and ethnic issues, social mosaic of Nepal, gender and ethnic issues in governance and state management, poverty incidence, corporate responsibilities. The paper also raised the issues that there is general tendency of not respecting others rights, due to weak ‘rule of law' system and law enforcement system people feel unsecured to use their fundamental rights, public management is not adequately accountable and responsible on governance and service delivery, lack of adequate awareness on human rights and responsibilities in general public.

Talking about the strategies to address the issues the paper emphasized that the Nepal society should be transformed as discriminatory culture to non-discriminatory, feudal to democratic, integration of diverse culture with respectable identity of all culture, gender and ethical issues to development and prosperity issue.

Participants were very eager to know the consolidation and matching of the charter and the social issues. They have queries on how CHR can accommodate or address the social issues like in Nepal. Mr. Sharma addressed the queries during and after his presentation.

Mr. Arjun Narshing K.C. senior leader and spokesperson, of Nepali Congress pointed out the strong relevancy of culture of responsibilities, which can come up as a rescue rope at this national juncture, not only to civilians and the bearcats but to the political parties and to the top level authorities of this country as well. More over, he congratulated and appreciated Rahat picking up such a crucial and need based concerns. He also expressed his best wishes to Rahat for this very meaningful and challenging journey ahead to create and promote the culture of responsibilities in Nepal.

Mr. Kamal Paudel, subeditor of National Daily, on his paper ' Role of Media in Human Responsibilities" highlighted:Media can contribute a lot to a society. It can influence opinions because of its accessibility towards people and society at large. This strength can either be used constructively by educating the people or it can be used destructively by misleading the innocent people. In larger social system media is regarded as social sub system. No doubt, media is powerful instrument for social change.

Media personals have access to people and they have audiences. Their programs have an impact and people listen to them. That's why they are more responsible for the betterment of the society. They should work to educate the people, to help the people, to liberate the people and to mobilize the people as well as they make people responsible.

Media plays a vital role in the building of the society. Media are the source of information or communication. Media includes like print media, electronic media and new media (email-internet). In this age when there are so many TV channels obviously, media have a lot of responsibilities, since it has power to influence the society all over the world.

In the past when the media was not so strong we were quite ignorant about what is happening around us. But today we come to know very quickly what is happening around us. We have the access to all the international news channels that provide us the facts and figures.

Access to information is essential to the health of democracy for at least two reasons. First, it ensures that citizens make responsible, informed choices rather than acting out of ignorance or misinformation. Second, information serves a "surveillance function” by ensuring that elected representatives uphold their oaths and carry out the wishes of those who elected them. In some societies the role of the press to disseminate information as a way of mediating between the state and all surface of civil society remain critical.

Most notably, Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “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.

In modern society media has become a part and parcel of life. Its duty is to inform, educate and entertain. It is considered as the 4th estate of a nation. They put their lives in danger during armed conflict or natural disaster just to inform us about it. Media is a bridge between the governing bodies and general public. It is a powerful and flexible tool that influences the public to a great extent. Media is considered as voice of the voiceless. Media should play more constructive role, to empower people with rights and responsibilities, by being vigilant as well as by giving alternative views that can lead to the peace and happiness.

Finally, Ms. Sudha Reddy Asia Coordinator for CHR gave a brief review on Socio-Economic political and cultural issues from Responsibility prospective, with clear highlights on need of responsible thoughts and actions to address the present emerging issues challenging the humanity and human rights. She elaborated basic meaning of Responsibility in order to clarify the concept in the context of Rights approach. Rights flow from the understanding of responsibility.

At the end of the presentations and discussions three prime agendas were identified and raised for discussion, group work and action strategy to implement CHR in Nepal.

Develop strategy to make Politics and Judiciary Responsible:
Suggested to design and deliver different level of awareness, advocacy and other programs to sensitize, pressure and extend various approaches to political parties, leaders, Bureaucrats, policy makers and planners, judiciary and civilians as a whole.

Develop framework to address gender ethnic and corporate issues:
Formation of pressure group to maintain and preserve the gender, ethnic and corporate issues in right track. Developing and executing the policies for the concerned stakes to make accountable and responsible towards the target population and their issues.

Develop Strategy to strengthen Media Partnership to Promote CHR in Nepal:
Endeavor to make the Media professional, unbiased and transparent. Launching of campaign and movement on CHR through the various mechanism of Media.

During, the concluding remarks of the program, Dr. Madhavi Singh from the chair, expressed satisfaction for the commitments of the concerned stakes towards their roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, she emphasized that in democracy everyone have rights, but to exercise rights without violating other's right is the responsibility of every right user, which is the rule of the game. Obviously, to be responsible is to value other's rights, so this culture needs to be institutionalized for peace prosperity and development.
She assured, Rahat will proceed forward towards this direction with its strong stand and commitments. It will be given untiring momentum, bringing into light specific programs to create, promote and institutionalize the culture of responsibilities in days to come.
She also mentioned briefly about Rahat's future Road Map in the way ahead to promote CHR. Awareness, Training and Integration with the programs and policies, Interactions , Advocacy, Set up the public forum for the continuity of the CHR, publications and documentations as well as the coordination with the concerned stakes to institutionalize the CHR in documented policies and format, have been identified as a basic tools to promote the culture of CHR in Nepal.

Major outcome of the symposium:

Some of the high level political leaders and bureaucrats have suggested Rahat to take this initiative forward at all levels including the drafting committee of the Constitution.

Commitment of the Philippine Youth for the Protection of the Planet Earth

2010-05-06T00:03:00Z

We live in the Philippine islands. We take pride and are always in awe and marvel at the richness of our land, the abundance of our diverse natural resources – the thick and ages-old forests of both land and sea where thrive exceptional flora and fauna, the grasslands and the marine resources which provide for our people. - Children and Youth International Conference - "Let's Take Care of the Planet" - Brazil 2010 / Environment, Children, Youth, Environment and responsibility, Charters, Envoi sur Coredem

Social Forums and People's Assemblies in the USA

2010-05-04T22:46:25Z

Several peoples assembly and citizens movement processes are taking place.

Nina Gregg - coordinator of the Charter of Human Responsibilities in the US - helps us unveil the " People's assemblies " initiative in the United States.

Already present during the first social forum in Atlanta in 2007, the peoples assemblies will associate again with the second US Social Forum in Detroit, in June 2010.

(video posted by Traversées)

The USA Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities

Nina GREGG — 2010-05-01T21:20:00Z

Charting the Future: Youth Take on Climate Change is the community-based project in the US associated with the upcoming Children and Youth International Conference on the Environment: Let's Take Care of the Planet .

On April 9-11, 2010, the Peer Learning Exchange was held on the campus of Regis University in Denver, Colorado. The Exchange was hosted by the FrontRange office of Earth Force, a national environmental education NGO. FrontRange staff provided homestays for all the youth and their adult chaperones.

Youth participants in Charting the Future met at the Peer Learning Exchange to share their research and action projects, present their local charters, discuss global environmental changes, and write the National Charter. Along with all the work, the young people expressed their hopes for the International Conference and their intentions for continuing their efforts in the months ahead. They also went on an environmental audit tour of the Regis University campus and visited Red Rocks, a natural rock formation amphitheatre outside Denver. To conclude the Peer Learning Exchange, the youth presented the National Charter to Deborah Parsons, aide to US Congresswoman Diane DeGette.

This national process has been entirely non-governmental, and possible only because of enormous amounts of donated time, space, and materials. We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of many people at Earth Force and Regis University and teachers in the participating communities. We appreciate our sponsors who provided one-fourth (25%) of the total cost of the national process:

Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation for the Progress of Humankind
Aveda's Earth Fund
Disney's Planet Challenge
Make Yourself Foundation
Staples
Namaste Solar
Earth Protect

Everything else was donated. As a result we completed a pilot project that will become the foundation for a more extensive project in the future, if we can secure funding.

April 11, 2010

The National Youth Charter of Responsibilities
from the United States:

The National Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities
Let's Take Care of the United States of America

We are youth from the United States of America,
involved in Charting the Future: Young People Act on Climate Change.

We recognize the view of people in our community and country who do not see it necessary to change their own lifestyle for the better of the environment and others. We take responsibility for these people's inaction and have decided to take the responsibility of completing the mandate they have failed to accomplish.

We are therefore assuming the following responsibilities:

1. We take responsibility for finding ways to solve environmental problems because we see our world changing before our eyes.

2. We take responsibility for reducing waste.
We will cut down on litter in our local community
We will practice the 5 R's: rethink, refuse, reduce, re-use, recycle

3. We will educate fellow students, powerful people, and all people in our communities because this world will change slowly but surely.
We will re-educate others by correcting their actions that hurt the environment.
We will work to encourage the passage of policies of environmental responsibility in our communities and country.

4. We promise to practice what we preach.
We will tell others to take action as well as taking action ourselves.
We will never tell someone to do something that we are not comfortable with ourselves.

5. We take responsibility to ensure as much energy as possible is conserved.
We take action for being energy efficient in our homes, schools, public buildings and businesses in order to preserve the resources used to power homes and cities.
We are committed to using CFL or LED lights and Energy Star or other certified energy efficient appliances. Also, we are committed to being more energy efficient in our transportation.

6. We take responsibility for water quality. Water quality is one of the more important factors in a healthy global environment because it connects us to one another. Although parts of the United States have impeccable water quality, there is room for improvement. We take responsibility to raise awareness about the impact of storm water on our inland and marine waterways.
We will research and educate the community to protect our water.
We will take action by not dumping foreign debris in the waterways and storm drains and participating in beach sweeps and community clean-ups.

7. We have responsibility to understand how socio-economic factors play a role in the previous six responsibilities. We recognize that there is vast inequity in the environmental quality of different communities in the United States.
We will do everything in our power to ensure the government upholds its responsibilities regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender or geographic region in regard to environmental justice.

We must fulfill all of the responsibilities listed. If we choose to be inactive, changes will not be made to address problems with the environment. Consequences of inaction would include energy/fuel depletion, high water levels due to melted ice caps, the endangerment and possible extinction of many species due to environmental changes, drought, famine, and the displacement of people.

We invite you to help us take care of our country and communities.

The USA Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities

2010-04-30T23:48:00Z

Charting the Future : Youth Take on Climate Change is the community-based project in the US associated with the upcoming Children and Youth International Conference on the Environment : Let's Take Care of the Planet. On April 9-11, 2010, the Peer Learning Exchange was held on the campus of Regis University in Denver, Colorado. - Children and Youth International Conference - "Let's Take Care of the Planet" - Brazil 2010

Responsible governance of Watersheds

Betsan MARTIN — 2010-04-27T16:01:36Z

This is a collection of papers from scientists, engineers, indigenous guardians and programme leaders from Vanuatu, Samoa and Aotearoa. Contributions are made from creative writers, lawyers, and esteemed Maori and Samoan leaders articulating indigenous knowledge to the complexity of managing watersheds.

The responsibilities brought to the management of river catchments are varied and range from professional engineering to ecosystem priorities, to policy and legal interpretation to business development and resource harvesting and extraction.

Running through these are issues of indigenous land ownership and oven, the very different priorities and points of view of Maori land holders from those of the private property interests of non-Maori. Maori land, as well as land in Pacific countries is held in collective titles. A major source of tension in the region is the pressure to privatise land - largely to remove impediments to commercial development.

For this assembly we brought together as many of these interest groups as possible - but were not able to include business people. Some of the challenges that emerged were the tension between what are assumed to be the benefits of large infrastructure developments (such as dams), and local land holding groups who want to exercise local authority to assure water quality and fish stocks and the 'life force' of the rivers. In these papers are wonderful knowledge of rivers, their dynamics and proposals for bringing the knowledge into governance. While many issues are local in reference they are of global importance as we are caught up in the challenges of responsibility to ensure the vitality and dynamics of rivers are retained or protected, the pressures of commodification of water resources, and how to keep rivers healthy for fish, land, plants and people.

This collection opens possibility of an ethics of responsibility as a way to mediate differences for the benefit of rivers and to solve conflicts by focussing on the long term well being of waterways and communities. Responsibility can be brought to managing risk and uncertainty where the consequences of decisions and use of technology are not known.

Areas that need further development are the application of responsibility for managing risk and uncertainty where the consequences of decisions and use of technology are not known, and how to develop understanding of public responsibility for the collective consequences of individual private business enterprise, and develop policy and governance systems to give effect to to public responsibility.

Watersheds and Responsible Governance: Aotearoa-New Zealand November 2009

Commitment of the Philippine Youth for the Protection of the Planet Earth

Pinky CASTELO CUPINO — 2010-04-08T07:58:00Z

We live in the Philippine islands

We take pride and are always in awe and marvel at the richness of our land, the abundance of our diverse natural resources – the thick and ages-old forests of both land and sea where thrive exceptional flora and fauna, the grasslands and the marine resources which provide for our people. We grow up relishing on sea food and recreation means frolicking on the sand. We travel by land, sea and air and traveling is always a fun and eco-cultural experience. We visit our relatives and friends in islands where they grow up and know by heart the marine creatures. They can tell when the monsoons are coming and whether or not the intensity of the rain would impede the sailors from sailing afar. All these are more and ours for the fighting. We must live.

We need to protect ourselves

We experienced countless storms and typhoons ravaging our shores. We have seen deaths and destruction of our land. We felt the helplessness of our people when Mother Nature comes to claim the irresponsibility of our peoples. We saw how vicious those calamities can be. On the other hand, we have seen how the thickly forested mangroves shield us from the waves and the fierceness of these winds. They protect us from harm. They shield us from the wind that blows our structures and livelihood. The mangroves play host to bio-diversity and shelters fries of diversified species.

As the different changes occurred such as calamities that devastated our properties and even life, we can say that now is the time to repair it. We may not be able to fix them all but at least we can do things that can preserve what has been left.

We need to mitigate our carbon footprints

We are guilty in emitting green house gases in the air. Our lifestyle is a stumbling block to the mitigation of carbon footprints in the world. We are still students and often get dismayed at how the giant factories, lawmakers and cities do little to control our footprints. The earth care initiatives that we have in school made us realize that we can do so much in mitigating our carbon footprints.

We, the Filipino youth share in the beliefs that:

“The environment does not belong to us. We only borrowed it from our forefathers in order to be passed on to future generations.“

“We do not inherit our environment from our ancestors; instead we borrow it from the next generation.”

Why wait for change, if you can be the catalyst for the said change?

“Change start from the self, like change in attitude to influence others to protect the environment.”

We inform, we serve, we preserve! Now is the time to preserve mother Earth!

“We can promote change, we can make a difference.”

We share in the responsibility of protecting Mother Earth.

As youth who are part of the environment, we also have to do our share in protecting Mother Earth. We have deep concern for a clean and green future. Thus we take a stand to consolidate all our efforts with the support of our government agencies, to be responsible in safeguarding, preserving and protecting our environment.

Moreover, we understand that the actions we make are made not simply for us, but also for our loved ones, for our planet and for our future.

We commit to the full measure our support and actions toward saving the planet. We commit ourselves to initiate activities that would save and protect Mother Earth by striving to do the following:

As citizens of the Philippines and youth who are considered the hope of the nation, we promise to take good care of our mother Earth.

We declare a war on wastes to solve pollution in all facets. We shall throw our garbage in proper places and segregate it into trash bins labeled non-biodegradable, bottles, newspapers and cans.

We swear to stop burning plastic materials which releases harmful gases to the atmosphere that contribute much to the global warming. We will avoid using plastic covers for books and projects, avoid using hairsprays and insecticides, and by all means, reuse and recycle paper materials that can still be used for the restoration of more forests.

We will try lessen our energy consumption to lessen also the act of burning fossil fuel to supply our electric demands. We will maximize wise access to technology.

We sustain the massive campaign to plant more mangroves, plant more fruit trees and forest trees especially in deforested areas in our respective localities to offset our carbon footprints.

We hereby pledge to implement our action plan for the protection and preservation of giant clams.

We shall conserve water in our everyday living.

We vow to keep our lifestyles compatible and consistent with the efforts to preserve our environment.

As advocates: We will inform people about the effects of improper waste disposal. We will be advocates of a clean and green environment not only to the other youth but also to our fellow citizens, for we believe that this small step we are making will drive the whole nation, towards full awareness and action for our planet.

Our school will continue to be at the side of the environment. We will cooperate with all sectors to protect the environment for our sake and for the sake of those who will inherit what we shall leave behind.

As we become aware of God's grace, we teachers, students, and staff of the participating institutions, commit to do carry out our responsibility and accountability and hereby pledge to be good stewards of God's creation, to participate in the enrichment and protection of environment and to instill in ourselves the value of the right to live and let live all forms of life on Earth.

March 3, 2010

The Charter of Human Responsibilities

Reflection on the Asian Citizens Assembly: Our Commonalities and Shared Responsibilities

Shared Environment

Common Biological and Socio-psychological Needs

Share Cultural Heritage

Interconnected economic and political history

Asian pop culture, Asian Diaspora and other modes of cultural exchange

The Role of Asian Citizens Assembly

THE CONFINT HAS ENDED TO BE BORN AGAIN

A Brief Review of various Initiatives on Charter of Human Responsibilities in Nepal - 2010

Symposium on "CHR to Promote the Culture of Responsibilities in Nepal"

Symposium on "Charter of Human Responsibilities to Promote the Culture of Responsibilities in Nepal"

Kathmandu, Nepal on 23rd February 2010

Commitment of the Philippine Youth for the Protection of the Planet Earth

Social Forums and People's Assemblies in the USA

The USA Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities

The National Youth Charter of Responsibilities from the United States:

The National Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities Let's Take Care of the United States of America

The USA Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities

Responsible governance of Watersheds

Commitment of the Philippine Youth for the Protection of the Planet Earth

Symposium on "Charter of Human Responsibilities
to Promote the Culture of Responsibilities in Nepal"

The National Youth Charter of Responsibilities
from the United States:

The National Charter: Youth Charter of Responsibilities
Let's Take Care of the United States of America