BACKGROUND
On December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Preamble to the Declaration states that keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, every individual and every organ of society shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for the rights and freedoms specified in the Declaration. Igniting the Spirit of Human Dignity seeks to promote such respect.

OVERVIEW
As a continuum of outreach programs and projects dedicated to the United Nations, including the Million Minutes of Peace, Global Cooperation for a Better World and Sharing our Values for a Better World, the Brahma Kumaris honored the 50th Anniversary of UDHR through an international initiative entitled Igniting the Spirit of Human Dignity. This initiative focused on the inherent dignity of all members of the human family and highlighted the importance of the universal core values contained in the Declaration.

PURPOSE
One of the greatest aspirations in the world today is to be free. Using the moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions of the Declaration as common ground, Igniting the Spirit of Human Dignity called to the attention of the world the universal goals of dignity, freedom, respect, tolerance, peace, justice, equality, brotherhood, friendship and education.

OBJECTIVES

• Promote awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Call on people to explore the inherent values underlining the spirit of human dignity.
• Encourage personal learning and commitment to actions through the Give One, Take One program.
• Capacity building and empowerment through understanding and experiencing the core universal values embodied in the Declaration.
• Identify the strategic balances between rights and responsibilities, freedom and respect, and other values, and study the impact of such balances on social progress and better standards of life.

PARTICIPATION
Individuals, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations (including community-based and professional organizations) were invited to participate. Discussion on universal values were within the context of youth, health, art, education, science, law, women, children, family, environment and other social and humanitarian areas.

DURATION
Igniting the Spirit of Human Dignity activities commenced from September, 1998 and concluded on Human Rights Day, December 10, 1998 - the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration. Preparations for activities such as dialogues, forums, seminars, panels, discussions, exhibitions and interviews with prominent people started as of March 1998.

RESOURCE MATERIALS

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Background Paper on history of human rights
• The Global Vision Statement
• Human Rights and Human Values - a position paper
• 10 Universal Core Values Statements (the 10 values being taken from the Declaration (see sidebar)
• A World in Transition - BKUN publication
• Human Rights Brochure (available in Greek and to be printed in English in Greece; it features the above position paper and core value statements).