PRINCIPLES to guide the exercise
of human responsibilities

We are all responsible for making sure that Human Rights are reaffirmed in our ways of thinking and in our actions.

- To face the challenges of today and of tomorrow, it is just as important to unite in action as to express cultural diversity.

- Every person's dignity demands that he or she contribute to the freedom and dignity of others.

- Lasting peace cannot be established without a justice which is respectful of human dignity and of human rights.

- To ensure the full flowering of the human personality, its non-material aspirations as well as its material needs must be addressed.

- The exercise of power can only be legitimate if it serves the common good, and if it is monitored by those over whom it is exercised.

- Consumption of natural resources to meet human needs must be integrated in a larger effort of active protection and careful management of the environment.

- The pursuit of prosperity cannot be separated from an equitable sharing of wealth.

- Freedom of scientific research implies accepting that this freedom is limited by ethical criteria.

- The full potential of knowledge and know-how is realised only through sharing them, and through using them in the service of solidarity and the culture of peace.

- In reaching decisions about short-term priorities, the precaution must be taken of evaluating long-term consequences with their risks and uncertainties.