This is the first book that explicitly outlines Asian contributions to the elaboration of universal human rights values that were proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. Evidence of Asias contribution from the historical records of the Commission on Human Rights (1946 to 1948) profoundly refutes any remnants of the relativist Asian values discourse. Asians shaped the new humanism of the UDHR and the universal values that they also brought to bear on the drafting of this document. The book brings this evidence into focus in order to enter them into contemporary human rights discourse in Asia. The book coincides with the 70th anniversary (2018) of the UDHR and contributes to the ongoing global dialogue between states and societies in the development of human rights norms. At this time, the elucidation of the Asian contribution in this work is part of this dialogue.  

Robin Ramcharanis Professor of International Relations at Webster University Thailand.  He is Executive Director of the Asia Centre, a neutral and independent think-tank in Bangkok that conducts evidence-based research on human rights in Asia. Previously, he was Professor of International Relations and Law at Alliance University, Bangalore. He has worked in international development cooperation with the Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization. Bertrand Ramcharanserved as High Commissioner for Human Rights 2003-2004, following the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello in August 2003. Over his three decades with the UN, he served, inter alia, as Special Assistant to the Director of the Centre for Human Rights. He held many senior positions including Chief Speechwriter of the UN Secretary-General, Director of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in UNPROFOR, Director of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, political adviser to the peace negotiators in the Yugoslav conflict, and Director in the United Nations Political Department, focusing on conflicts in Africa. He has been Professor of Human Rights at the Geneva Graduate Institute and Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

1. Introduction.- 2. Asian Visions.- 3. Asian Drafters.- 4. Asian Foundations.- 5. The Principle of Humanity.- 6. Dignity and Equitable Life Chances.- 7. Equality and Non-Discrimination.- 8. Implementation.- 9. Education About Human Rights.- 10. The Future.- 11. Conclusion.