Human rights and responsibilities are two sides of the same coin. While rights empower individuals to live with dignity and freedom, responsibilities ensure the sustainability of these values across communities and nations.
Yesterday was International Human Rights Day, and we would like to tell you more about how the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation is championing an idea with profound global implications: the establishment of a Human Responsibility Day. This initiative calls for individuals, communities, and nations to embrace responsibility as a cornerstone of progress, democracy, and peace.
In 2021, Ukraine made history by becoming the first country to establish Human Responsibility Day on October 19. Born out of the principles articulated in the 2014 Declaration of Human Responsibilities by Bohdan Hawrylyshyn — a visionary economist and philanthropist — the day symbolises the importance of responsible action at personal, societal, and global levels.
Through the lens of Ukraine’s resilience during the war that began in 2014, the power of collective responsibility has never been more evident. Communities, institutions, and individuals have shown extraordinary strength in adapting, innovating, and upholding democratic principles despite adversity. This transformation underscores the relevance of responsibility as a unifying force capable of driving positive change.
Why It Matters Beyond Ukraine
Human Responsibility is universal. It complements the principles of democracy by ensuring equality, justice, and freedom for all. Involving citizens in the democratic process — whether through voting, civic engagement, or standing up for others’ rights — requires a collective sense of accountability.
The foundation is now urging the world to embrace this ethos. With a Global Call for Human Responsibility Day, the initiative aims to create a shared platform for dialogue, action, and transformation. It highlights the interconnectedness of our challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and conflict, and calls for shared responsibility in addressing them.
What Can You Do?
The Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation plans to submit a petition to the European Parliament, advocating for Human Responsibility Day to be recognized across the EU. You can help by signing the petition if you reside in an EU member state.
Join this movement by embracing responsible actions in your daily life. Advocate for a culture of accountability and cooperation in your community and beyond. Let’s work together to make responsibility as central to our societies as rights are.
Visit Human Responsibility Day to learn more, follow them on Instagram @responsibility.day, or reach out at info@bhfamily.org.
