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PRESENTATION
We have recently celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration was certainly a conquest for
humanity: it is based on the dignity of the person, and promotes and defends
respect for peoples and for every one of their members. The Declaration has
already been the object of the reflections of the Second Meeting of European Politicians
and Lawmakers (Vatican City, October 1998), and the Third Meeting of American
Politicians and Lawmakers (Buenos Aires, August 1999), both organized by the
Pontifical Council for the Family.
The Declaration has surely not eliminated the many attacks and violations of
human rights that have been perpetrated during its 50 years in force. However,
there is no doubt that recognition of its principles is always a notable
stimulus for the spirit and practice of justice, both within nations and in
relations between States, when its true "universality" is preserved
and when it is not subject to fragmentation that can take away its original
spirit.
Among the fundamental rights, the Declaration recognizes the Family as
"the natural and fundamental group unit of society" (Art. 16). We now
offer a reflection on the Rights of the Family in the context of the Universal
Declaration, the fruit of a seminar in which a large group of experts in
different disciplines took part.
For practical reasons and to aid their dissemination and knowledge, we are
also offering the texts of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights itself and the Charter of the Rights of the Family of the
Holy See in this publication. The Charter is in itself a deep reflection and development
in the light of reason of what is already indicated in the Declaration. These
documents are not always readily available.
The reflection we are presenting on the occasion of this fiftieth
anniversary is an instrument for dialogue and a scientific exchange of ideas on
themes that affect the fundamental values of the person and of society.
Alfonso Cardinal López Trujillo
President
Most Rev. Francisco Gil Hellín
Secretary
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