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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: insights from its first draft
Until recent years it was hard to find good information on the origin of human rights. This was particularly true about the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration in 1998 began to change that picture as scholars began to turn their attention to the history of human rights. Among the books that have been written since, are Mary Ann Glendon’s book, A World Made New, and Johannes Morsink’s book The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Origins, Drafting & Intent. Both works tell the story of the how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created. Glendon’s book also happens to be one…
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Leo’s Letter, the Atomic Bomb and Sadako’s Cranes
The following short story “Leo’s Letter” is written as a “fairytale” about the dropping of the atomic bomb. Although it is fictional, it is closely based on history. “Leo” is Leo Szilard, one of the founders of the Manhattan Project that created the first atomic bomb. Albert is, of course, Albert Einstein. Edward is Edward Teller, a scientist involved in the project. The President is first, President Franklin Roosevelt, and then, President Harry. S. Truman. Robert is Robert Oppenheimer. The doctor is Dr. Hiroshi Sawachika. Sadako is Sadako Sasaki, a girl who eventually succumbed to radiation poisoning after the dropping of the bomb over Hiroshima. Minimal ‘artistic’ licence has been…
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Hiroshima
An old eucalyptus tree grows in the ruins of Hiroshima Castle. Although only 750 metres from ground zero when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima at 8.15 am on 6 August 1945, the eucalyptus tree survived and still lives. All around it for miles about was destroyed. Warfare has not been central to the discussion that has unfolded on this site, but it cannot be ignored. It is only foreigners or rebels that we kill in war. To label someone a foreigner is potentiality or in reality a licence to deprive them of life in “the national interest”. Moreover the logic of war provides a licence to deprive our…
