Do you believe Every Human Has Rights?
Members of The Elders, at the organization's
launch on July 18, 2007.

The Elders joined with partner organizations around the world to launch the Every Human Has Rights campaign, asking you to make your personal pledge to the values that unite our human family.

Sixty years ago this December, in an unprecedented moment in the history humankind, the newly formed United Nations adopted a universal declaration that transcended cultural and national boundaries. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights established a common standard of achievement rooted in the values of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect and shared responsibility.

Our commitment to sentiments contained in the Universal Declaration is as important today as it was 60 years ago. Our world remains marked by divisions and gripped by fear. Genocide is happening again. Discrimination against women and minorities continues in many places. Poverty is trapping billions in lives of despair. Challenges like climate change, lack of access to health and shortage of decent employment opportunities confront us all.

It's time to take individual responsibility. Only with many individual voices behind them can The Elders and others make a substantial call on governments to deliver on their commitments to protect and uphold our human rights. Make your personal pledge, and join us in realizing Human Rights for every person today.

Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders, July 18th, 2007 in Johannesburg South Africa on the occasion of his 89th birthday. Founding members of The Elders are: Graça Machel, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus.

“This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken,” Mandela commented. “Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair.”

The Elders will use their unique collective skills to catalyze peaceful resolutions to long-standing conflicts, articulate new approaches to global issues that are or may cause immense human suffering, and share wisdom by helping to connect voices all over the world. Learn more at www.theElders.org.