Human rights rest on a moral basis that all can recognize, and as such, they need no defence. But guaranteeing these rights is also not only practical, but a matter of more urgency for all of us than ever before. These are some of the global trends that demand immediate action on these issues:

Urbanization–More and more people and cultures, with different attitudes and practices, are in contact and sometimes collision. Consensus-based human rights safeguards can be the mortar between these very different bricks, and promote social cohesion.

International and internal travel and migration–They are accelerating with modern transport and communication. Wars and internal conflicts are driving millions of refugees across countries and borders. A common understanding of the fundamental rights and protections of individuals is sorely needed in this turmoil.

Increasing complexity and decentralization of governments–The only way to protect the rights of the people across the board is to rely on uniform guidelines and standards.

Civil society’s growing role–Non-governmental institutions are vital to sustainable development, and they function best in a climate of commonly understood rights. They can also advocate those rights and monitor their protection.

The collapse of civil administration–In wars and conflicts, the innocent must be protected from the predation of the powerful. They need impartial and strong advocates.

Transnational entities and multinational corporations–These entities are increasingly powerful, sometimes too much so for a host nation to regulate. But they could be held accountable to an international code of conduct.

Rapid social change–Firm agreement on human rights standards provides a basis for assessing both tradition and innovation.

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