
The long history of Asian civilizations provides significant proclamations that relate to human rights. Ancient declarations that speak of rights, freedom, and justice seem to be coming mainly from political leaders. Cyrus of the Persian civilization is credited for proclaiming freedom of religion and freedom from enslavement. These were recorded in a small clay cylinder known as the Cyrus Edict sometime after 539 BC, after conquering Babylon.[i] Later on, in India, another political leader issued edicts declaring, among others, the duty of rulers to serve the welfare of their people, much like the principle of state obligation to protect and realize the human rights of the people. He also approved of people having their own religion as long as their practice the essence of religion. These edicts are known as the Ashoka Rock Edicts issued by King Ashoka in 304-232 BC.[ii]
OVERVIEW
Declarations
Conference Declarations