Islam and Human Rights — Page 13
Introductory 13 economic or political patterns of society and the State. For instance, the first half of the first sentence of Article 12 and the second paragraph of Article 13 would not have suggested themselves so readily to a Commission on Human Rights submitting a draft declaration in the early years of the present century. On the other hand, when the political unity of Western Europe begins to assume practical shape, some re-wording of Article 15 might be indicated, while the development of World Feder ation, or some form of World Government or World Com munity, might entail a reappraisal of the whole concept of nationality, which is none too precise as it is. Again, it is presumed that acceptance or endorsement of the Declaration would not oblige a society or State to give literal effect to the provisions of every article. This may not be practicable in some cases, or might tend to defeat the very purpose in view. So far as States are concerned, that aspect could be taken care of in the Protocol embodying the declaration of adherence of a State to the Covenant of Human Rights. So far as particular societies may be involved, it would be desirable to obviate any conflict of values by directing effort towards securing, promoting and strengthening the spirit of the Declaration and its overall objectives