NationStates Jolt Archive

-A humanoid white dragon takes the floor-

Greetings member states of the United Nations. I would like to draw attention to a proposal that was made recently by my government. This proposal, 'Code of Definitions', is meant to extend the definitions on what a person is to all sentient life. Including myself.

I find it frightening that there are literally millions of beings out there who are oppressed, abused, and enslaved for the sake of other beings, in UN member nations, just because the first group is non-human, and thus not technically covered by various 'human rights' resolutions. My nation has tried its best to adhere to UN resolutions despite this fact, but alas, the abuses I've seen in neighboring states has forced me, and my government to request that the Un adopt this proposal. Why should a minority go ignored due to a technicality?

Some may dissagree with the resolution as is, and I can respect that. But I ask that you still support it, so that we can at least begin to end the suffering of millions of non-humans, near humans, and electronic life forms. And for those who dissagree with one technicallity of it or what not, I ask that you propose a compeating resolution. Or if my resolution passes, a resolution that furthur amends the definitions.

But we need this. Shall freedom be for all? Or just those with the right genetic makeup? I want and respect freedom. I want it to be for everyone.

I ask for your support, and your blessing on this matter.

Thank you.

I do like this idea, but I'd like to see the exact text and if appropriate contribute to improving it, because this is a very tricky issue. It needs to be possible to draw definite lines (e.g. we don't want to give monkeys equal rights to humans), but also to be flexible, (e.g. if a particular species lives 400 years and takes 50 years to mature, we don't necessarily want equal rights for them as humans - i.e. they shouldn't necessarily reach the age of majority at 18, or be able to vote at 16, where humans can - but equivalent rights).

Ah yes, for your information, here is the complete text of the prosal:

Code of Definitions
(A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.)

Description: OBSERVING that not all nations are populated by humans, the United Nations shall extend and redefine the following definitions to encourage a more intergrated and complete world:

Person - Any being capable at some point after birth in its life cycle of intelligent thought and includes but is not limited to: humans, self aware computers and robots, mutated or genetically engineered humans, other advanced animals, clones of other persons, extra terrestrial life forms, and other intelligent life forms. Any being defintion as a person can not be removed due to that being's race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, language, previous condition of servitude, political persuation, religion, or any other culture induced classification.

Citizen - Any person who was either born in a nation or who has been intergrated into that nation by a formal naturalization process is a citizen of that nation.

Human Rights - Any right guranteed to a person (as defined above) by a nations constitution, laws, or UN resolution.

People - More than one person as defined above.

Child - Any person who has existed for twelve years or less or the time period equivalent for that person's species/condition of existance.

Minor - Any person who has existed for sixteen years or less or the time period equivalent for that person's species/condition of existance.

Adult - Any person who has existed for sixteen years or more or the time period equivalent for that person's species/condition of existance.

Humane - Describing activities that do not prolong suffering of a person or other being but try to limit suffering when possible.

AND any reference in any previous or future United Nations tesolutions to humans or human beings is extended to all persons.

The Union of Tinis hearby submits this proposal for consideration by the United Nations in the hope that its own population of non-humans can be granted equal rights and responsibilities as that of the humans in other nations.
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Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. The endorsement period ends tonight, and it currently lacks 116 endorsees. And if a new version is needed, especially to clear up the maturity levels, I'll be more than willing to let this version die and propose a revision that is more concise.

Thank you.

-Izixs