How the Declaration came into being
The Declaration of Human Responsibility was elaborated in 2014 by the world-renowned economist, visionary, public figure Bohdan Hawrylyshyn. Or more accurately, it was published in that year. The idea and reflections on this topic began around a decade before that.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
When in 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, Bohdan Hawrylyshyn was 22 years old. He had experienced World War ІI, refugee camps and worked as a lumberjackto pay his passage to Canada. Ahead of him lay university education, travels, and involvement in various academic and business communities. His overall understanding of the world, studying how political and economic systems functioned in different countries, led Bohdan Hawrylyshyn to the belief that governments at the time were not ready (due to various reasons such as post-war exhaustion and international economic competition) to ensure equal rights for all strata of society. Taking on such responsibility proved to be much more challenging than merely proclaiming it.
The Revolution of Dignity, 2013-2014
Shortly before the time when hundreds of protesters on the Maidan would be posthumously called the “Heavenly Hundred” and as the eastern regions of Ukraine would begin to witness hostile fire, Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, in his interviews, repeatedly will emphasize that the world is not healthy. The existing system of international relations is inefficient and not working in favor of the common good. During that time, working on a global level as a member of the Supervisory Board of the International Academy of Arts and Sciences, he elaborated a preliminary list of human responsibilities. What was the purpose? “To revive the values of freedom, human dignity, the rule of law, and social justice in contrast to a focus solely on money,” as stated in his interviews.
Towards the end of November 2013, Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) in Kyiv became a point of no return in many ways, especially for Ukraine. The values that began to take shape on the Maidan – taking action with a sense of responsibility, coming together for greater effectiveness, and saving lives – initiated a transformation of Ukrainian society that continues today. It was described as a “painful transformation of the nation, values, and behavior” by Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, who also emphasized that this was something Ukraine should share with the world, its unique experience.
The proposed Declaration of Human Responsibilities was published on October 15, 2014, on the website of the International Academy of Arts and Sciences. It consists of 15 points that encourage seeing responsibility as a comprehensive value that affects both personal and professional aspects of an individual’s life, as well as their interactions with their community and their actions towards their country and the world. These points serve as guidelines towards a more democratic, inclusive, and effective society from the perspective of humanistic values.
October 19 – National Human Responsibility Day
The themes of human responsibility, youth development, diplomacy, and local governance were central to the programs of the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Charitable Foundation. This foundation, at one point, became one of the first organizations to provide young people with real opportunities for value-based personal growth and international experience for professional development. When Bohdan Hawrylyshyn passed away in 2016, his mission was carried on by his wife and children, who established the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation in 2017.
In 2021, at the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation’s initiative, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a resolution titled “On Establishing the All-Ukrainian Human Responsibility Day.” This decision received the support of 308 out of 356 members of parliament from various factions and parties registered in the session hall. Since then, every year on October 19th, also Bohdan Hawrylyshyn’s birthday, Ukraine observes Human Responsibility Day at the state level.
The Declaration of Human Responsibilities has become the foundation for this day. It aimes at reevaluating responsibility as a fundamental value of every individual, which contributes to improving personal lives and the effective development of communities, cities, countries, and humanity.
Ukraine is the first country in the world to adopt the Human Responsibility Day at the national level. What does this mean for us now, during the full-scale war with Russia? Despite the challenges that came with the war, the awareness of responsibility for one’s destiny gives strength for further struggle. The transformation of Ukrainian society continues, and thanks to us, the world is also changing. Many international partners support Ukraine. At the same time, we learn to cooperate and understand other countries’ needs, challenges, history, and culture.
Interaction based on the principles of responsibility becomes the foundation for universal change. War has scattered us both geographically and emotionally. But only together can we be strong and, ultimately, survive. In these challenging times, our primary responsibility is unity and collective action. Indeed, cooperation is the key to creating a more responsible and cohesive Ukrainian society.
Each of us understands responsibility differently. Let the Declaration of Human Responsibilities be your guide for reflection and decision-making, as well as a basis for action and collaboration with others.