Davos Open Forum 2006 - Human Rights: Reduced to Charity?

http://www.weforum.org 27.01.2006
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (1948) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) are supposed to be milestones for a world in which economic development, democracy and the respect for basic rights are combined. However, it is clear that some nations apply the rules whenever it is convenient for them. Their policy is liberal for some, and "compassionate" (President Bush's 2001 inaugural speech) for others.
1) Are we moving towards a situation in which rights are applied and enforced only when it fits the interest and willingness of nations to do so? Have we moved from a rights-based approach to one based on charity?
2) How has the use of fear (security/terrorism) by nations influenced their attitude towards respect for rights?
3) How must nations, business and NGOs focus their actions with respect to the application of these basic rights?
Noorkhanom Ahmadzai, Head, Mother Healthcare Program, Terre des hommes, Afghanistan
Reinhardt Fichtl, Delegate, Terre des hommes Foundation, Nepal
Angelina Jolie, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Geneva
Katherine Marshall, Director and Counsellor, World Bank, Washington DC
Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch, USA
Introduced by
Peter Brey, Secretary-General, Terre des hommes Foundation, Switzerland
Moderated by
Christine Maier, TV Host, Swiss Television SF DRS, Switzerland

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[oksigeno]

All in English, of course... to respect the right of silence the 86% of non English speakers of the world ;-(