(03 O-->T) Civic obligation: What is our responsibility for helping fellow human beings in search of security and a better life? Do we have a responsibility to admit people seeking security and/or a better life to each of our nations? What obligations do we have to comply with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Do you believe that everyone is entitled to the rights that the document specifies? Tell us why or why not. by Judi Freeman

Henry Poynter, Boston, MA, USA

hpoynter — 2021-01-20 21:11:27 UTC

As shown on the New York Times article, the population of the USA is 15% immigrants. For a long time, the USA has been a hub for immigration, dating back to the gold rush and events similar to that. America was known as the place where you could achieve your "American Dream", to which is up to your own interpretation of what the American dream really is. Seeking asylum and terms similar are used in the USA. Though US laws have been advanced in protecting civil rights, the US has definitely fallen behind in protects the universal human rights that are in the UDHR. I do believe people are entitled to the rights in the document, unless it is taken advantage of.

Amber Hoey, Boston, MA, USA

2021-01-20 23:22:45 UTC

One of the most important values that America upholds (at times) is the “land of opportunity.” With that phrase comes great responsibility, if we are to claim to be a land of opportunity, it is only just that we follow through with it. As stated by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ALL nations must abide by it. No nation is superior than the other, no person in each nation is superior to another, therefore, it is out of pure human decency and morality that every human being is permitted to have basic rights. There is no denying that. All of the 30 articles clearly state rights that you wouldn’t even think would have to be noted like, “(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” (Article 27). The Trump administration has further prolonged the negative connotation of immigrants, by building a wall, banning Muslims, and other racist and xenophobic rhetoric. As seen when, “many of the non-Hispanic white voters who tipped the presidency to Mr. Trump were motivated by fears that they were losing demographic ground to other groups” (“Migrants are on the Rise Around the World, and Myths about them are Shaping Attitudes,” New York Times, June 20, 2018). We need to uphold the articles in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so that no one is ever afraid of opportunity.

Katherine Kiessling, Boston, MA, USA

kkiessling — 2021-01-20 23:42:11 UTC

for centuries, people have come to America for several reasons, a major one was to find the "American Dream". I think if people need the help, we as Americans should help them. Trumps promise of "building the wall" is what won over many people in 2016, and for the next four years he continued to make racist and xenophobic comments. I do believe people are entitled to the rights of the document.

Shaun Phan, Boston, MA

2021-01-21 00:29:09 UTC

Americans love to pride themselves about being a "land of opportunity" where the American Dream comes true and yet there was still support for keeping out certain groups of immigrants during this past presidency. We must find ways to change those types of feeling and the help those who seek a better life for whatever reason that may be in America. We are a land build from the backs of immigrants. We should always continue to honor those who have built up this country by helping immigrants like them. We should lead by example and other countries will certainly follow suit. By leading by example we can make an impact worldwide. We have an obligation to follow the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Not only does it sit right in the countries conscience to know that we treat everyone well, it also sets precedent to other countries. As one of the world leaders, if we treat our immigrants badly , it may have cascading effects everywhere and the UN's declaration of rights will be taken less seriously.

Emily Mai Chen, Boston, MA, USA

2021-01-21 01:22:55 UTC

There is no question that everyone has the obligation to comply with the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Like it states in Article 13, everybody has the “right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country", and as such, everyone has a "right to change his nationality" (Article 15). We all have this universal right to leave our country and settle down somewhere else if we wanted to, and that is how most of us have come to be in our countries. Especially for those in the United States, we would not have been here if our ancestors had not decided to travel across the ocean to come here for a new home-- a place where they can establish a new life with freedom to do whatever they wish. It would be hypocritical and entitled to believe that there are certain groups of people who do not "belong" here, when really, no one does. That's the beauty of it. We're free to seek out other countries for a new beginning. If we're allowed to enjoy this human right, then I think it is also our obligation to uphold it for others. We do have the responsibility to help and admit others who are in search for security and a better life, in much the same way our parents or the many generations before us had done. To refuse to do so is taking away the rights that we are all entitled to, and is plain wrong.

lzulps — 2021-01-21 01:48:39 UTC

Most of the world associates America with “the land of the free, the American dream, and the land of opportunity” because of how it was portrayed many years ago. These slogans, created when the foundation was being laid for the country, are the reason immigrants and people who wish for a better life came/are coming to America. These immigrants came because they thought they were being granted a prosperous life, but instead they were immediately shunned out of society. An example of this first occurred when Chinese came to the West and were accused of stealing jobs from Americans. Their homes were burned and they could barely make a living. If America can talk the talk, the right thing to do would be to follow through and walk the walk. A nation as a whole should not be able to pick and choose when they want immigrants and when they don’t. As a human race, it is each of our responsibilities to want the best for one another. If a country is established in a way that claims it wants the best for its people, that is now a responsibility. Everyone should have the same rights, and I think it’s absurd to even question the rights of a person because of their race, the way they look, or where they come from.

An Tran, Boston, MA, USA

atran411 — 2021-01-21 01:57:02 UTC

Historically, America has branded itself to be the land of the free, the melting pot, leveraging the "American Dream" notion towards refugees. This occurs through the 20th Century Vietnamese boat people, early Irish and German immigrants in the 1840s, or Mexicans seeking work in the U.S. It is absolutely our responsibility to help fellow human beings through welcoming them into our country with open arms and providing them refuge to resettle on U.S land. As for the obligations in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as the “right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” (Article 14) and "the “right to life, liberty, and security of person.” (Article 3), the way I see it, it shouldn't be a matter of obligation for us to "comply" but rather there shouldn't be a second thought and we should be taking in these immigrants and refugees not out of legal obligation but out of human goodwill. However, this is idealistic and far from true from the reality. Instead, we have presidents who build walls and pass laws to keep out immigrants. The issue that Americans see with immigrants is that they're taking our jobs, which is long withstanding argument dating back to the Chinese immigration and their work on the railroads or in the gold mines. We learn from the article though that immigration can be beneficial, seeing the economies in Australia and Switzerland high in GDP and in immigration. As Clemens says in the article "immigration can be an opportunity." Lastly, I think everyone should be entitled to the rights in the U.N Declaration of Human Rights, but I'm not naive and understand that although everyone should theoretically be entitled to such rights, that isn't the case globally.

Olivia Sullivan, Boston, MA, USA

osullivan5 — 2021-01-21 02:21:08 UTC

America today prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures. All of us are descendants of immigrants, and that's what makes the culture of the United States so unique. In recent years, however, many immigrants have been discriminated against and denied entry to our country. I believe we have a responsibility to welcome those seeking asylum in our country. America has been a host for immigrants for centuries, and there is no reason this should change now. Our country has been filled with xenophobia, but I do not think we can choose to stop welcoming those seeking refuge when it is convenient for us. As humans, we have an obligation to help others when we are able.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights exists for a reason, and the United States is a part of the United Nations for a reason. I believe if we want to be part of such an organization, we should be following its principles. Specifically as they pertain to human rights, as these are not things that should be determined by nationality. I don't think it should be difficult to comply with this declaration of human rights. Human rights should be something the government and lawmakers always seek to protect.

I believe everyone is entitled to the rights the document specifies. Basic human rights should not be debated, but sadly, they are. The rights listed in this document are essential to human life and respecting others.

Lev Sugerman-Brozan, Boston, MA, USA

lsugermanbroz — 2021-01-21 02:30:08 UTC

Our main responsibility for helping fellow human veings in search of security, a better life and happiness is to welcome people from other places with open arms into our country. I believe that everyone in the world should have the right to live wherever they want to, and with this right comes the responsibility of every nation to welcome immigrants. If the inalienable rights of humans are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, then blocking or stopping people from entering our country is hypocritical. We absolutely have a responsibility to admit people seeking security and a better life to each of our nations, as part of our duty to the greater good of humankind. We have every obligation to comply with the UN's Declaration of Human Rights, and absolutely no excuse to go against it. These are the basic rights that every human is entitled to, and it is the bare minimum that we respect this. Every human is entitled to the rights that these specify. There is no condition or way that these rights should or can be taken away from a human being.

Leo deLaski, Boston, Ma, USA

2021-01-21 02:46:24 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow humans in search of security and a better life is to accept them into our country and give them the chance to pursue that better life no matter where they come from. Many people in the United States have recent ancestors who were immigrants, and for those same people to not accept people like their own ancestors is illogical. We also have obligations to comply with the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration consists of rights that are considered by the United Nations to be basic rights that every human should have. Therefore, everyone is entitled to those rights, no matter where they come from. To deny someone their basic human rights is to deny the fact that they are also human, which is a recurring theme throughout history. This is why it is incredibly important that we ensure that everyone has these rights, so history does not repeat itself.

Cecelia Faller, Boston, Ma, USA

2021-01-21 03:16:32 UTC

I think that while we should strive to help others create a better life when possible, it is not an obligation. However I think that if you were to restrict immigration it should be for a legitamate reason, you can not do so to discriminate aganist certain groups of people based on race, ethnicity or religion. It seems to me like most anti-immigration rhetoric is based upon othering rather then any actual problems that come with immigration.
Under the UN's universal declaration of human rights we have the responsiblity to grant asylum to people who have been persecuted (article 14), which I don't think the US has been uphoding. As a member of the UN, other nations should force the U.S. to live up to the standards set in the univeral declaration of human rights. Everyone is entitled to human rights no matter what, it's right there in the title human rights, what someone is entitled to as a human being.

Albert Yang, Boston, MA, USA

2021-01-21 03:30:02 UTC

While there is little an individual can to aid people when it comes to broad-scale human rights issues regarding the search for security, it is the responsibility of America as a whole to ensure that those searching for security may find it within our country. America has a responsibility to admit those seeking asylum, and as a democratic first-world country, we should be held to uphold all of the UN's declaration of Human Rights. Everyone deserves to have the human rights listed, and it is regrettable that, in our world of extreme wealth and extreme poverty alike, many have been stripped of their human rights, for one reason or another.

Andre Weiss, Boston, MA, USA

aweiss62 — 2021-01-21 03:51:47 UTC

We absolutely do have a responsibility to help those who come to the United States needing help. In that case, we have every obligation to align ourselves to the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Everyone is entitled to it, despite anything pertaining to their history. If we made it for everyone, why would we exclude others from receiving proper human rights? As a country that is supposed to be first-world, one that is supposed to be the land of dreams, one where someone can start anew and live a prosperous life—why is it so difficult to offer people these opportunities we so claim to give? In that case, for people to officially receive them, they must also be receiving the treatment that the Dec. of Human Rights provides them. In other words, we as a country, are not doing the fullest to provide others with their rights. And as a result, we are unable to help them fulfill their dream of commencing a new life. We are unable to help them thrive. And as a country, we need to do better, to give people the resources they need to thrive—to do well, so that we can officially continue calling ourselves the land of the free and the place where one's dreams can come true.

Anderson Darosa, Boston, MA, USA

agoncalvesda — 2021-01-21 03:54:28 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human beings in search of security and a better life, is to accept them for who they are, and admit them into our country especially when our country is known as the land of opportunity. It wouldn’t be just to only allow a certain sort of people to have a chance at this “opportunity” The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, states “Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.” No matter what, I believe that every human being should be granted all the rights included in the Declaration of Human Rights. No matter your age, race, religion, or nationality. An example of this I would like to talk about is the California Gold Rush in the late 1840s. If you heard that a bunch of gold was found in a certain place you would rush over. That’s exactly what happens during the California Gold Rush, emphasizes on the word rush. The thing about it though is that Chinese Immigrants came over to have a chance in the “Land of opportunity”, the land being America and the opportunity being the gold. Unfairly though, California imposed heavy taxes on immigrant miners, and pushed around by white miners, sometimes forced out of the diggins. This is a prime example of what we shouldn’t do, everyone should have been allowed to have their chance at this opportunity, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case, because such rights didn’t exist yet, but now that they do, we ought to respect and follow them.

Tina Zhou, Boston, MA, USA

tzhou4 — 2021-01-21 05:48:00 UTC

It's our responsibility to help other humans who want or need a new home in order to give themselves a better life or seeking security. The only case where that is not the case is if it will be a threat to the safety of our country and the structure of our government. As a country which is made up of immigrants and a first world country with the power and resources to help, there is no reason to turn a blind eye on those who need help. All people should be entitled to the rights that are specified in the UN's Declaration of Human Rights, since it is something that has been agreed on and signed by leaders of nations from around the world. Humans live for a short period of time (compared to how long the planet has been along), so as humans, we should all live to the best of our ability while we are here， and the best way to guarantee that is if everyone is able to live a life where their human rights are protected.

Joanna Li, Boston MA, USA

jli66 — 2021-01-21 06:12:05 UTC

Our responsibility as individual Americans depend greatly on our material means. I believe it is the responsibility of the wealthy to provide financial and material aid to others, which will open opportunities for housing, education, etc. On a national level, we do have a responsibility to provide asylum for those seeking security and admittance for those seeking a better life. The United States of America absolutely must be held to the standards of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Not only is this nation a member of the United Nations, but considering the USA's self-proclaimed position as the most righteous and advanced country in the world, it is even more imperative to adhere to the Universal Declaration. Finally, everyone, regardless of where they live, deserve the rights that the document specifies. Human rights are the freedoms that define us as humans, and to deny those rights is to deny humanity.

Sarah Young, Boston MA USA

2021-01-21 06:19:50 UTC

Our main responsibility for helping our fellow human beings in search of security is to accept everyone for who they are and welcome everyone no matter who they are. To give everyone a chance as corny as it sounds. That others feel comfortable and safe in our country. America has a responsibility as a first world country built up on immigrants to help other people in need and should definitely help other countries in need to give other people a chance at a better life. Human life is so short that everyone wants to live their life to the fullest and have the ability and the right to a life with basic human rights that are protected.

Kali Ibrahim, Boston MA, USA

2021-01-21 07:40:26 UTC

I think that the rights listed in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights are basic human rights that should apply to all people. I think that it's really easy to notice our differences sometimes, but different doesn't mean bad. I think it is our responsibility as just people to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve, no matter their race, religion, circumstances, sexuality, etc. I think that it's also our responsibility to be welcoming to those who come to our countries in search of security and a better life. Especially the U.S., a country that was built upon the solid backs of immigrants. As the daughter of immigrants and an immigrant myself, I know that there's only hope, no malicious intentions . It's already hard enough having to leave your home and the life you've always known, so I think that we ought to be as welcoming and understanding as possible.

Pin Yi Chen, Boston, MA, USA

pchen141 — 2021-01-21 10:23:20 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human beings in search of security and a better life is to take care not to restrict our borders based on anti-immigrant rhetoric that do not have any real basis in fact. The US has been historically viewed by the world at large as a country of exceptional economic mobility, a country where anyone can become successful, so long as you are willing to work hard enough. To turn immigrants away simply of their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or some other thing that they have a basic right to (as delineated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), goes against this view of America, especially since this country was through the toil of immigrants and slaves. I think we also have a responsibility to help other, poorer nations, not by barging into their internal affairs, but by facilitating trade with them and providing them with opportunities to develop their economies and infrastructure. And I absolutely think that the US--and everyone, honestly--should adhere to the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as every human being is just as fundamentally equal to any other human being, and no one should have the right or ability to deprive another person of these extremely basic rights.

Gian Martinez, Boston, MA, USA

gmartinez220 — 2021-01-21 10:30:41 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human beings is to be understanding to those without privilege, and do our best to assist them, as well as being accepting of everyone and responsibly administering help to those in search of security, asylum, or a better life. As long as we have the ability to help others in need without jeopardizing ourselves, it is incumbent upon us to adhere to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights and take some responsibility in improving the global quality of life. Per the namesake, human rights are supreme rights that one cannot deny humans, like the right to live, or their rights to freedom, etc. So yes, all humans are entitled to their human rights and their protections. It is not up to anyone to deny these rights to all other humans.

Tanvi Nagar; Gurgaon, Haryana, India

2021-01-21 16:49:51 UTC

Good morning! Wishing everyone a very happy new year.
There are several reasons for believing that migration can be both beneficiaI and not advantageous at the same time. I believe that those countries who have enough resources to provide shelter and jobs, can lend help to people from other nations and open their doors to migrant workers. Migrants contribute to the nation by paying taxes, and make social contributions. It even boosts the working age population. Migrants also arrive with requisite skills to boost the GDP of a nation and can contribute to technological progress. However, it is also true that migrants can be a threat to the indigenous job market. What’s more is that it can lead to conflict between the migrants and native population-since they are looked at as a threat to the population. This may be true in underdeveloped or developing nations. The second thing to note is that not all who seek shelter in other countries are migrant workers. A lot of them are refugees. They are simply fleeing from the conditions of war, discrimination and poverty in their own nations. Morally, it is important to welcome them into the neighbouring nations. I believe that it’s our responsibility to show compassion, kindness and support to our fellow human beings. Refugees, defined by international law are people who are in need of protection. I believe that refugees need to be treated slightly differently though. In today’s time people who are refugees are unable to change this label which is assigned to them. They can be given jobs, which are created specially for them. For example-more resources deployed for the development of pending projects. This way they will not be replacing the people of the nation and they will also be receiving the treatment they deserve. To support this claim, there are several studies which show that an active workforce comprising the refugees will benefit the EU’s GDP. The Guardian newspaper has shown that the inflow of migrants in Germany has benefited the country’s GDP. Thus, it is true that we must allow and open our gates to people in need. Specially, when the discussion is about humanitarian rights in the case of refugees.

The UDHR applies to all of us-all the people, around the globe are morally obligated to follow the guidelines of the charter. Even though it’s not legally binding, the strong plea of moral obligation makes it unique. It is true that we mustn’t harm others, hurt others or take undue advantage of another human being. We must be vigilant about what our rights are and what our responsibilities in every sphere is. All states also have the duty to protect and promote all human rights for everyone without discrimination. In short, every human is entitled to dignity, respect and love. There are some rights which are inalienable and every individual is worthy of having them. All 30 articles show that each right is equally important. Thus, we need to comply with all the moral duties and responsibilities.

Yes. I believe that all the people, across all the nations are entitled to the rights of the UDHR. Even though some nations are unable to make this utopian dream a reality due to their circumstances, people around the world must be given these rights. They are inalienable and each person is worthy of them. When the charter was signed, every nation had promised that they would try to enforce these rights in their nations. They must live up to this expectation through their domestic legal provisions and try to make this dream a reality.

Brigid Hamwey, Boston, MA, USA

bhamwey — 2021-01-22 03:30:23 UTC

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore." These are the words engraved at the base of the Statue of Liberty, to me, it's a promise, a promise to always accept those seeking refuge, no matter the reason or previous home. By the looks of the current immigration policy of the United States, you'd think the poem came with footnote saying "but only if they know more about American history than most natural citizens and are willing to wait up to a decade to get their citizenship approved." It's our responsibility to help those who need it, after all, you can't brag about everyone wanting to live here if you aren't willing to actually let people in. We have the economic resources to offer help, and it would actually benefit the country to have more taxpaying citizens. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that no one can be denied the right to change their nationality, and the Declaration in a broader sense prohibits discrimination/distinction based on race, national origin, etc. (specifically Article 2) meaning that as it is our duty to uphold and protect the human rights of all, there's really no excuse for turning away people at the border, it's not our place to deny them of their rights.

Jan Kowalczyk PL

jankow123fs17 — 2021-01-22 07:05:07 UTC

One of the greatest duties is to support immigrants, but in my opinion the policy proposed by the Germans in the EU is bad, because if we conduct this type of policy, we may be monopolized by inigrants in our own countries. The policy that has been chosen by Poland is to support people from countries where things are not good: civil wars or natural disasters. And it seems to me that my position on this matter has its basics in the vicious terrorist attacks.

Hadeel Shrara, Lebanon, Tyre

2021-01-22 13:38:34 UTC

The protection of immigrants and refugees is one of the most significant duties that all individuals and countries must fulfill since this is a moral and humanitarian act that reflects the extent to which everyone respects United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially when it states in its 14th article the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries Asylum from persecution. And with respect to the way of helping these people then it could be at least in respecting them, supplying them with all their basic needs including shelters, job opportunities, education and all human rights. In brief, we should treat them as we would like to be treated in their case. Moreover, Lebanon is one of the countries that receives refugees and immigrants from different countries especially Arab ones, in spite of the economic and political difficulties that it suffers from. Therefore , it cannot supply them with all what they need.

Erin Rice, Boston, MA, USA

erice35 — 2021-01-22 13:59:31 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human beings in search of security and a better life is to allow them to stay in our country. Most times these human beings are coming from places much worse than the US, so why should we ban them for searching for a better life for themselves and their families? The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be applied to everyone. We're all human and we're all entitled to the rights that the document specifies. We have the resources and money to help these people coming from 3rd world countries. No one should be denied from a country based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Ian Wright, MA, USA

bwright283 — 2021-01-22 16:05:51 UTC

It is a moral duty of every human to help and care for your fellow person. If that means giving the homeless a home, than so be it. If that home is your country, than so be it. Immigration is always a difficult situation, but in the long term immigration proves worthwhile. Many countries in their history had large populations move in, populations which in their time were demonized and oppressed. The dominant culture caused serious harm out of a fear of being replaced. In many of those cultures, time has weathered those tensions and created a unique and distinct culture from the fusion. The modern xenophobia is race based, being against those from the middle east. Germany is talked a lot about when discussing immigration and refugees. While refugees are predominantly from the middle east, the top 5 migrant countries of origin in 2013 include 4 European countries. It goes Turkey, Poland, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Italy. As of 2019, the top 5 countries in terms of immigrants to Germany was Romania (230,096), Poland (130,689), Bulgaria (83,218), Turkey (51,610). Note the difference here, a migrant is someone temporarily staying, an immigrant is planning to be permanent. The recent migrant crisis is not a long term issue, these populations are planning on returning home once it is safe. A lot of figures have made arguments that these migrants are going to replace the local culture, and the people who say that are either misinformed or lying. The numbers do not show a negative effect to the long term economy or culture or immigration or migration.

Jasmin Dreer, Austria

2021-01-22 18:40:58 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human beings in search of security and a better life is to provide them with everything that's stated in the UDOHR, especially housing, food, clothing, medical care, security and the right to change one's nationality. Other than that it is our responsibility to accept them and to show hospitality.The rights specified in the Declaration should be entitled to everyone, as the document itself states. Other than the fact that according to the Declaration of Human Rights we have to grant people asylum and that everyone has the right to move and settle in a different country there is the concept of charity. Europe, being a mostly Christian continent, should remember this and act accordingly. Something many people seem to believe, however, is that people are responsible for the conditions in their home countries. Most people agree that people trying to get away from war or natural disasters should be granted asylum, because they weren't responsible for the war or the natural disaster. But we should ask ourselves: Are the people coming to richer nations seeking a better way of life and work really responsible for the economy in their countries? No. Because, very simplified, we are rich because they are poor. Or they are poor because we are rich. Some countries never recovered from the colonisation by mostly European countries. In some countries the global warming, mostly fueled by rich nations, has impacted the economy. Farmers can't grow anything because there's a lack of water, some regions experience wildfires or flooding, and if we go on living like that, the worst is yet to come. And last but no least, bad working conditions exist partly because we want to pay the least sum of money possible for everything we buy.
So saying that these people are responsible for the bad situation in their country is, excuse me, garbage, and therefore it is ridiculous to withhold their right to seek asylum because it is us who are responsible for the terrible conditions in some countries.

Antonia V, Australia

2021-01-23 04:57:05 UTC

I believe that all those seeking asylum, security and safety should be granted exactly that. They are humans who are being treated as pests. Australia is well known for prime ministers wanting to "send back the boats" and most asylum seekers get sent to detention centres. It is wrong and it should be our responsibility for us to ensure that people have a right to live an enjoyable and safe life. Another way people come is via immigration. As someone who comes from immigrants i am all for it. you create a beneficial community of different cultures to share which is really a beautiful thing. Without immigration there is no way to educate people about the world around us. Of course there will always people who make the same argument "they are taking our jobs" but honestly, if they have found a job then they are clearly more qualified for the job. The UNDHR should bee applied to everyone, not select people from select countries. Australia has the land, the money and the ability to help those in need yet we still neglect their basic human rights. These rights are so basic and we enjoy them everyday. So why does the Australian government refuse to give it to those who need them most?

Camagu Taliwe , Cape Town , South Africa

2021-01-24 19:53:08 UTC

The world is diversed . In our world's history there have been countless explorers namely Christopher Columbus , Marco Polo , and South Africa's very own Jan van Riebeeck. All these explorers have one thing in common is that they see potential in their respective nations of interest and they decided to colonised it . Even if it is against how the indigenous/natives felt. Meaning in our world there are many (if not millions ) of multiracial/multi-cultured people or people from multi-cultured descent. So yes, we should accept/admit that we have a responsibility for people seeking security and/or a better life to each of our nations. As an African myself , I can only speak from an African perspective . In the course of Africa's history we have endured a lot and many of our ancestors have experienced slavery due to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Which has taken many Africans and dispersed them among the different American regions which layed the foundation of the nation today , and also greatly profited The British and other European countries. Days like Juneteenth is highly celebrated in America especially amongst those from African descent because it embodies freedom and liberation. Things like " Trump's Wall" is immoral because it is based on xenophobic and racist beliefs and on the diversion of people rather than unity." Some have suggested that a barrier is immoral. Then why do wealthy politicians build walls, gates and fences around their homes?" , President Donald Trump.

Taken from : https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/46811167
Why does Donald Trump want to build a wall? - CBBC Newsround.
Compares Immigrants especially Mexicans from the border to thieves , which is wrong . Power house countries like U.S.A and U.K should comply more to ; Articles : 1, 2 , 3, 13, 22, and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights because they set the example / stage for the other countries to follow . Reasons being that these articles were chosen because I believe that everything we do must be done in the sense of brotherhood. All rights should comply regardless of , race, colour , language , religion ,political or any other . That everyone has a right to liberty and security of person. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country. Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests. Yes I do believe that everyone is entitled to the rights that the document specifies . Because immigrants in your country or elsewhere are only there because they want to have a better life for themselves, their families, and their future families. Especially in African countries like Nigeria , South Africa, Cameroon, Zimbabwe , and the DRC and even Mexico . Our riches like Gold, Silver , Oil , Platinum , and even Labour have been taken away from us and left us depleted . Only benefitting the rich countries and left many hungry and poor. We should promote unity rather than diversion as Democrat Senator, Chuck Schumer stated on the number of Illegal Immigrants is highly exaggerated by Donald Trump because statistics have shown that the number of arrests at the US-Mexico border have decreased a lot since the early 2000s. We should open our arms to those who seek a better life because they come from worse situations than ours.

Pranav Bharadwaj, INDIA

2021-01-25 08:57:25 UTC

This issue of refugees and migrants has been the centre of debate and discourse for quite a few decades now. Solutions have been put forward like global citizenship, rehabilitation, expedited citizenship and others relating to citizenship. But it all boils down to the main question which is whether the country can afford to sustain the migrants/refugees and provide them with basic amenities and a "better life" which they need and deserve. India has been a country which has accepted refugees and migrants with open hands. India's acceptance starts from the early 50s when India had gained independence and had gone through a brutal partition. Refugees were a constant issue for quite a few decades. India also has a large labour mass who come from neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. The recent CAA also envisions to provide expedited citizenship for persecuted minorities. India has always strived to provide rights to all its citizens and others not just from a foreign policy standpoint but from a humanitarian view. Each person deserves to live a life with facilities like food, water, shelter, employment, health, education etc. As a developing nation these form our credo. Migrants do help in different ways like setting the balance in the job market by ageing it or making it younger for specific industries. But this is not always good too. When this balance is toppled, the indigenous market of the country faces a loss. This also generates a sense of animosity against the “aliens”. At the end of the day the rights in UDHR should be available to all. But it is also unfair to expect countries which are already burdened by a big population and fragile economy to provide subsistence for these migrants/refugees when their own citizens are unable to sustain. This is where global citizenship comes into the picture. The basic premise is to provide a global citizenship to all people. It is supported by the argument that such interconnectedness would make it much easier for refugees/migrants to get rehabilitated and with other countries also pitching in monetary investment shouldn’t be an issue. But this reasoning falters around the need for security and national integrity. It essentially breaks down the concept of citizen and nation and borders. Making the whole world one community recognizes a much more developed technological capability and transport facilities which we yet have to achieve. It also weakens national security as it allows any and all people to enter the nation in the name of “global citizen”. Only countries which can bear them costs should take in these groups as it is in the benefit of these groups in the long run

Jacob Dietch, Boston, MA, USA

jdietch — 2021-01-25 21:37:47 UTC

I believe that all humans have an obligation to try and better the lives of ourselves along with others. I think that the principle that people should work with is trying to get the greatest amount of pleasure for the greatest amount of people to the detriment of the fewest people. That being said, it depends on how many people are being admitted, what the issues are in their own countries, and whether or not our own country's people can handle it. If all is well and good in the world, then I would like very limited immigration restrictions. The free flow of labor/people benefits us all. We have a moral obligation to follow their Declaration of Human Rights, but as the most powerful country, we don't really have any strong repercussions if we don't follow it. As for whether or not people are entitled to rights? Technically no. No one is really entitled to rights, as in there are no natural rights that are tied to humans. We do have a moral obligation to give people rights, just based on how I think our society should function.

Lucy Batres, Boston, MA, USA

2021-01-26 22:04:21 UTC

I believe that we have the responsibility to be kind and try to get along with others. There is no reason to stop others from bettering their life. So many resources are being hoarded despite there being a need to help immigrants everyday. If we can help each other and understand that everyone is entitled to their human rights then we can work together and advance as a community. The U.S claims to be so righteous, yet immigrants needing help are dehumanized. Everyone is entitled to the rights in the United Nations' Universal declaration of Human Rights and no one should be denied welcome for just being themselves.

Maysam M. Beirut, Lebanon

2021-01-27 08:21:41 UTC

Our responsibility as citizens must accept everyone no matter their race, gender, or what their religion is. All humans deserve to be treated equally, and they must feel safe and secure with what the government provides. No one should be discriminated against or hated since this just causes more problems in society. Also, It should not be up for discussion whether a person's human rights should be allowed or not just because they come from a different place.

2021-01-28 12:36:54 UTC

Pradeep Bhandari, Pokhara, Nepal
Everyone here deserves equal right and opportunities. If we people start discriminating each other than the brotherhood will never ever develop in this world. Regardless of the people's race, caste, gender they are entitled to the rights in United Nation's Universal declaration of Human Rights. We all should help each other to enjoy our rights and that behavior change peoples from animals. It is not like he/she will not be heard just because he/she comes from different society.

Sayad Golam Morshed, Gazipur, Bangladesh

kader490002 — 2021-01-30 13:33:22 UTC

Our responsibility for helping fellow human in search of security and a better life depends on our personality and our sincerity. This issue of refugees and migrants has been the center of debate and discourse for quite a few decades now. We have a moral obligation to follow their Declaration of Human Rights about thes issue. In these facts our own country's people can handle it. Because of their responsibility. No one is really entitled to rights. We do have a moral obligation to give people rights just based on.

Yukine MAshimo, Hiroshima , Japan

2021-01-31 02:55:57 UTC

I think our responsibility is to accept immigrant and not to discriminate them . I have two reasons .

First , we should help people in need . I think helping people in need is common knowledge . If immigrants are accepted in my country , it may cause some troubles . But , we are the same if we have some different charm .

Second , if they accept , we give them a big benefit. World is getting more and more globalized . So we want to have many skills to cope with that .I think immigrants help us that .

For these reasons , I think our responsibility is to accept immigrants and not to discriminate against them .

Ben Zaborski Boston MA USA

2021-02-04 02:23:44 UTC

I think our responsibility is to help others in search of a better life. We are obligated to do this, I feel, not just because of the UN, but out of common decency as human beings caring for others, who possibly don't have the means to help themselves. I think that every human is entitled to not only the rights outlined in the document, but to experience equity, so that everyone is able to survive and support themselves and others around them.

2021-02-23 14:48:57 UTC

I think we should except immigrant's we all are born to help others while helping ourselves but keeping in mind about our nations safety we should follow or apply for some rules that can help our nations people not to face any problem as well as the migrant's and it will also help them to migrants to move from one nation to other while having some Proofs of them showing their profile as migrants.....
Sorry for late submission my exams were held during this time.