Having lived in different countries and with different people, I have come to realise that as people we have a lot in common. Of course we have our differences. We practice different religions, come from different ethnic backgrounds, and speak different languages but at the end of the day we seek common universal truths.

While looking at the UN Declaration for Human Rights I  have often wondered about its application. When it was drafted in 1940s, I do believe that it was well intended. After all when looking back to that time era, there were unspeakable horrors taking place....not to mention that they still do happen in certain parts of the world today. But that's just it...these injustices are still taking place. What's missing?

When the Declaration for Human Rights was drafted, it was presented to to a group of world philosophers and thinkers of the time. One of them being Gandhi, who questioned...what about the concept of responsibility and duty at a non-state level? Doesn't it also start at the grassroots level?

To recognise the injustices in the world and to question our own prejudices, I feel, comes through dialogue and education. It takes courage to recognise ones faults and it's not easy to change. However, it is easier to remain quiet, but isn't that worse? By remaining quiet we are in a way contributing to the issues that are arising because we are not taking on the 'responsibility and duty' to one another harmonious coexistence.