Two Masonic Obediences - the Grand Orient of Switzerland and the Symbolic & Traditional Grand Lodge of Africa - have signed the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights

The Grand Orient of Switzerland (GOS) and the Symbolic & Traditional Grand Lodge of Africa (GLTSA) recently signed the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights. This text, drafted in 2015 at the initiative of the French government, aims to extend fundamental rights to environmental, cultural, and intergenerational issues. Drafted under the direction of Corinne Lepage, it is presented as a global ethical charter, calling for the recognition of rights and duties common to all humanity. Open for signature by all entities that share its principles, it has already received the support of several governments, institutions, local authorities, and associations. The recent commitment of the two Masonic obediences is part of this framework.

A declaration was drafted ahead of COP21

The Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights was drafted in 2015 in the context of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), held in Paris. This conference was a significant event in the realm of international environmental diplomacy, with the primary goal of adopting a universal agreement to curb global warming. Against this backdrop, President François Hollande tasked Corinne Lepage, a former Minister for the Environment, with drafting a text to promote a universal ethical approach to preserving the planet, intergenerational solidarity, and human dignity.

Corinne Lepage (centre) and François Hollande (right)

A lawyer who has specialised in environmental law for several decades, Corinne Lepage brought together a working committee of lawyers, experts and representatives of international institutions. The resulting text is deliberately concise and accessible so that it can be adopted or supported by a wide variety of stakeholders, regardless of their culture, political regime or legal system.

The term 'declaration' refers to a type of symbolic document with no binding legal value, but which conveys an ethical or philosophical orientation. It is in the tradition of great universal texts such as the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which were adopted by the United Nations.

Since its publication, the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights has been translated into numerous languages and distributed far and wide to national and international institutions. It has been presented at various forums, notably UNESCO, and supported by several governments, local authorities, and civil society organisations.

The Declaration articulates a balance between rights and duties

One of the Declaration's distinctive features lies in the balance it strikes between six fundamental rights recognised for humanity and six corresponding duties, which are formulated symmetrically. This approach combines the recognition of rights with a demand for responsibility at both the individual and collective levels.

The six fundamental rights are :

1. The right to a healthy environment: Every human being, both present and future, has the right to live in an environment that promotes their health, fulfilment, and development.

2. The right to responsible, equitable and sustainable development. This right emphasises the importance of development that respects the natural balance, while being mindful of social justice and solidarity between generations.

3. The right to preserve the global commons: Certain elements of the world's natural heritage, such as the climate, the oceans, the air, freshwater and biodiversity, are considered to be common goods that must be protected for the benefit of all humanity.

4. The right to peace: Peace is stated to be an essential condition for human life and for protecting the planet.

5. The right to biological and cultural diversity: The diversity of cultures and forms of life is recognised as a valuable asset that must be preserved and respected.

6. The right to information and participation: This right guarantees everyone access to environmental information and the opportunity to participate in community decisions.

The six corresponding duties :

1. Respect life in all its forms. Humanity is called upon to recognise the intrinsic value of living beings and to treat them with respect.

2. Do no harm to others or to the environment. This duty establishes a general principle of non-harm to both individuals and ecosystems.

3. Cooperate with other people and generations.
   Solidarity, cooperation and dialogue between cultures are essential for the common good.

4. Act with equity and justice: Resources and responsibilities must be shared equitably according to the principles of global justice.

5. Preserving the planet and its natural balance:
   Humanity is invited to avoid crossing critical ecological limits.

6. Act conscientiously and responsibly. This duty requires everyone to consider the consequences of their actions and exercise discernment.

Together, these rights and duties form a moral framework designed to encourage collective awareness of the ethical and intergenerational challenges facing the planet.

Membership follows institutional support

The Grand Orient of Switzerland and the Symbolic & Traditional Grand Lodge of Africa are among the many bodies that have now expressed their support for the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights. Their signatures were made public on the tenth anniversary of the text, which was celebrated at an international conference held at the United Nations in Geneva on 13 May 2025.

The event, which focused on the continuity and influence of the text, brought together leading figures from politics, associations, and academia. Several institutions renewed or affirmed their support for the Declaration on this occasion, thereby reaffirming its role as a reference document in contemporary ethical reflection.

Signing of the Declaration by the Marseille Bar Association, 2017

Against this backdrop, the involvement of the Grand Orient of Switzerland and the Symbolic & Traditional Grand Lodge of Africa forms part of a broader trend towards acknowledging the principles enshrined in the Declaration. Open to signature by any entity wishing to affirm its values, the text has received significant support since 2015 from states, international organisations, local authorities, civil society actors and, now, Masonic obediences.

Gradual dissemination in various forums

Since its publication, the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights has been presented to many forums for reflection and cooperation. Notably, it has been presented to the United Nations General Assembly, the European Parliament, UNESCO, and various intergovernmental and non-governmental dialogue bodies. Local authorities in France and abroad have also adopted motions in support of or in recognition of the text.

An ongoing communication strategy, including publications, symposia, workshops and meetings, has supported its dissemination. The website dedicated to the Declaration offers the full text in several languages, as well as an updated list of signatories.

The fact that the Declaration is present in a variety of contexts, such as education, sustainable development, diplomacy and culture, demonstrates its cross-cutting nature. It is a flexible instrument that can be utilised by any individual or organisation seeking to contribute to a global ethical movement.

Conclusion

The Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights, born in the context of COP21 and driven by a desire for global ethical convergence, continues to attract widespread support. Its structure, which is based on the articulation of rights and duties; its non-binding scope; and its accessibility mean that it can be adopted or supported by many institutional players.

The Grand Orient of Switzerland and the Symbolic & Traditional Grand Lodge of Africa have added to this momentum by committing these two Masonic Obediences to the principles set out in the text. This participation is voluntary and open, and in keeping with the Declaration's main objective of promoting a shared awareness of the challenges facing the future of humanity and the planet.