HUMAN RIGHTS

& THE GOSPEL OF

CHRIST
Professor Rana Lehr-Lehnardt
What are human
rights?
Rights and freedoms to which
all humans are entitled
They are those benefits
essential for individual well-
being, dignity, fulfillment that
reflect a common sense of
justice, fairness, and decency.
 They belong to every human in every society
◦ They are timeless: they existed before, now, and in the

HR are future
◦ Even though HR were not always understood,

Universal respected, or accepted

◦ HR don’t differ with geography, culture, ideology,
political structure, economic system, or stage of
country development
Individual holds
Human Rights
◦HR are inalienable and imprescriptible: can’t
be transferred, forfeited, waived
◦They can’t be lost, sold, usurped
◦Failure to exercise or assert them and failure of
others to respect them does not mean that they
do not exist
◦HR are claims upon society
◦ Govt has obligation to protect and promote HR
◦ Notice they are not claims against another human/person
 ◦ How are they similar/different from civil
rights?
HR v. ◦ How are they similar/different from
constitutional constitutional rights?

rights? ◦ How are they similar/different to

international human rights law?
What are some
human rights?
Right to life
Right to nationality
Right to protection against torture
Right to protection against
discrimination based on sex, age, race
Legal rights to a fair trial
Right to education?
Right to health care?
Right to a job?
Animal rights?
Environmental rights? -- for the benefit
of humans or for the benefit of the
enviro?
 ◦ "All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical
background, suffer when they are intimidated,
imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist on a
global consensus, not only on the need to respect human
rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these

Universality rights . . . for it is the inherent nature of all human beings

to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have
an equal right to achieve that."

- The Dalai Lama

International
Agreements
◦ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
◦ ICCPR
◦ IC on Economic, Social, Cultural Rights
◦ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN, 2007)
◦ Conv Against Torture
◦ Regional HR agreements
◦ European Convention on HR
◦ African (Banjul) Charter),
◦ Declaration of the Rights of the Child 1923,
◦ American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (OAS, 1948)
◦ Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam (OIC,1990)
Courts
◦ European Ct of HR
◦ Inter American Ct of HR
◦ ICTY
◦ ICTR
◦ ICC
◦ ICJ
◦ domestic courts)
 HISTORY OF LDS
CHURCH AND HUMAN
RIGHTS
◦ We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force
of which we believe ought to be duly considered by
every individual, that all men are created equal,
and that all have the privilege of thinking for
themselves upon all matters relative to conscience.
Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we
the power, to deprive anyone from exercising that
free independence of mind which heaven has so
graciously bestowed upon the human family as one
of its choicest gifts.

◦ (Joseph Smith et al., “The Elders of the Church in

Kirtland, to Their Brethren Abroad,” The Evening
and the Morning Star, Feb. 1834, 135)
Constitution of the United States is a glorious
standard
◦ There is a principle also, which we are bound to be exercised with, that is in common
with all men, such as governments and laws and regulations in the civil concerns of
life. This principle guarantees to all parties, sects, and denominations and classes of
religion equal, coherent, and indefeasible rights. ... Hence we say that the
Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard. It is founded in the wisdom
of God. ...
◦ We, brethren, are deprived of the protection of this glorious principle by the cruelty
of the cruel, by those who only look for the time being for pasturage, like the beasts
of the field, only to fill themselves and forget that the Mormons, as well as the
Presbyterians and those of every class and description, have equal rights to partake
of the fruit of the great tree of our national liberty.

◦ (Joseph Smith et al., Liberty, MO, to Edward Partridge and the Church, Quincy, IL,
[ca. 22 Mar. 1839], Revelations Collection, Church History Library)
◦ We wish it likewise to be distinctly understood that we
claim no privilege but what we feel cheerfully disposed
to share with our fellow citizens of every denomination,
and every sentiment of religion, and therefore say that, so
far from being restricted to our own faith, let all those
who desire to locate themselves in this place, or vicinity,
come, and we will hail them as citizens and friends and
shall feel it not only a duty, but a privilege, to reciprocate
the kindness we have received from the benevolent and
kind-hearted citizens of the state of Illinois.

◦ (Joseph Smith et al., “A Proclamation to the Saints Scattered Abroad,” Times

and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:277)
 ◦ When we see virtuous qualities in men, we should

“[A]ll men always acknowledge them, let their understanding be

what it may in relation to creeds and doctrine. For all

are, or ought men are, or ought to be, free, possessing unalienable

rights and the high and noble qualifications of the laws

to be, free, of nature and of self-preservation; to think and act, and

say as they please, while they maintain a due respect to

possessing the rights and privileges of all other creatures, infringing

upon none. This doctrine I do most heartily subscribe to

unalienable and practice.

rights” ◦ (Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to James Arlington Bennet, Arlington

House, Flatbush, NY, 8 Sept. 1842, JS Collection, Church History
Library)
 ◦ It becomes our duty on account of this intolerance and corruption—the
inalienable right of man being to think as he pleases, worship as he pleases, etc.,
being the first law of everything that is sacred—to guard every ground all the
days of our lives. I will appeal to every man in this council, beginning at the

Let us from
youngest, that when he arrives to the years of hoary age he will have to say that
the principles of intolerance and bigotry never had a place in this kingdom, nor
in my breast, and that he is even then ready to die rather than yield to such

henceforth things. Nothing can reclaim the human mind from its ignorance, bigotry,
superstition, etc., but those grand and sublime principles of equal rights and

drive from us
universal freedom to all men. … Nothing is more congenial to my feelings and
principles than the principles of universal freedom and has been from the
beginning. . . .

every species ◦ Let us from henceforth drive from us every species of intolerance. ….

of intolerance
◦ There are only two or three things lacking in the Constitution of the United
States. If they had said all men born equal, and not only that but they shall have
their rights, they shall be free, or the armies of the government should be
compelled to enforce those principles of liberty.
◦ (Council of Fifty, “Record,” 11 Apr. 1844, vol. 1, pp. [116]–[121], Church
History Library, in Joseph Smith Papers, Administrative Records, Council of
Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846, 97–101)
We join with many throughout this nation and around the world who are deeply
saddened at recent evidences of racism and a blatant disregard for human life. We “Human dignity for
abhor the reality that some would deny others respect and the most basic of freedoms
because of the color of his or her skin. … every human soul”
The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any
group of God’s children. Any of us who has prejudice toward another race needs to
repent!
During the Savior’s earthly mission, He constantly ministered to those who were
excluded, marginalized, judged, overlooked, abused, and discounted. As His
followers, can we do anything less? The answer is no! We believe in freedom,
kindness, and fairness for all of God’s children!
Let us be clear. We are brothers and sisters, each of us the child of a loving Father in
Heaven. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, invites all to come unto Him—“black and
white, bond and free, male and female,” (2 Nephi 26:33). It behooves each of us to
do whatever we can in our spheres of influence to preserve the dignity and respect
every son and daughter of God deserves. …
We need to foster a fundamental respect for the human dignity of every human
soul, regardless of their color, creed, or cause.
And we need to work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating
walls of segregation. …
 ◦ Fourth in a five-part series on why faith matters to
society
◦ Sixty-six years ago a document graced the world that set
HR Day, new horizons for human relations. It is called the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was the first
Dec.10, 2014: global expression of its kind.

In Honor of
◦ Leaders from different nations, cultures, religions and
political systems came together to establish standards of

HR humaneness that apply to everyone, everywhere. The

opening lines proclaim that “the inherent dignity” and
“the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the
human family” are the “foundation of freedom, justice
and peace in the world.”
Every person ◦ Every person, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality,
possesses fundamental rights simply by being human. They include

possesses the right to life, liberty, security, equal protection of the law and the
freedom of thought, speech and religion.
◦ ME – Fascinating because church has listed on the basic
fundamental civil and political rights, which are only half of the rights
listed in the UDHR

rights simply ◦ Other half of social, economic, and cultural rights

◦ These human rights protect the weak from the abuses of tyranny.

by being They act as a buffer and arbiter between the lone individual and the
concentration of power. These norms and principles defy the
natural tendency to dominate one another. Human rights help us
human move beyond the harmful idea that might makes right.
◦ The world is far from perfect in honoring human rights.
Injustices and atrocities still occur, but the universal
declaration makes it possible to prevent, contain or
diminish them. Like all things worth keeping, human rights
will forever require our faith and vigilance.
◦ --Mary Ann Glendon, Facing History and Ourselves, “Mary
Ann Glendon and the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights,” Aug. 4, 2008.
◦ Mary Ann Glendon is the Learned Hand Professor of Law
at Harvard Law School and a former United States
Ambassador to the Holy See.
Human Rights Day + Europe
Area LDS
◦ In honor of Human Rights Day, the Europe Area presidency of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Elder Massimo De Feo, Elder Erich W.
Kopischke and Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, all General Authority Seventies — issued
a statement on Friday, Dec. 10.
◦ “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms its fundamental belief in
the importance of protecting human rights for all,” they wrote. “We agree that ‘All
human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’ We support
advocating for the life of every individual and view a person’s freedom and
agency a shared global priority.”
◦ Human rights have been crucial throughout 2021 in protecting the weak,
providing equality to the disadvantaged and countering abuses around the world,
the area presidency continued. “We consider every person to be a child of God,
and acknowledging these fundamental rights for every human means recognizing
the worth and human dignity of every person.”
Church: Fairness for All
“We must not allow fears about losing our own freedoms make us
insensitive to others’ claims for theirs. Let us unite with those who
advocate nondiscrimination to seek a culture and laws that respect the rights
of all to the equal protection of the law and the right to the free exercise of
religion.”
“As a church, we are committed to the free exercise of religion to allow us
to practice the principles of our faith. But we are also committed to ◦ The Church’s fairness for all
fundamental fairness and the rule of law. We see the process that succeeded approach that gave birth to the
in Utah as a promising way to have both religious protection and Utah Compromise, which was
fundamental fairness.” signed into law in 2015. The
law extended housing and
employment protections to
---- Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
LGBTQ people while codifying
protections for religious liberty.
 Fairness for All
LDS + LGBT
◦ Latter-day Saint leaders in Arizona and multiple
other states are part of a broad coalition of
religious, government, business and LGBTQ
groups working together to pass new legislation in
statehouses and Congress.
◦ Two months ago, the coalition introduced a bill
that would both strengthen religious liberty in the
state while offering important new housing,
employment and public accommodations
protections for LGBTQ people.
We can work together for basic human
rights
◦ “This partnership to me makes it clear that we
can have differences of opinion,” Kendra
Johnson, executive director of Equality North
Carolina said. “I’m not seeking, as a person
who’s LGBTQ or a person who’s working in this
area for our rights, to change church doctrine, but
we can work together for basic human rights, to
ensure fairness for all.”
Deseret News article
◦ The church and its senior leaders have publicly supported nondiscrimination laws
that protect LGBTQ rights and religious liberty since officially backing a Salt Lake
City ordinance in 2009. At the time, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles indicated that ordinance could become a model for other cities and
states.
◦ In February, Latter-day Saint leaders released a statement on the Arizona legislation.
◦ “The church is pleased to be part of a coalition of faith, business, LGBTQ people
and community leaders who have worked together in a spirit of trust and mutual
respect to address issues that matter to all members of our community,” the church
said. “It is our position that this bipartisan bill preserves the religious rights of
individuals and communities of faith while protecting the rights of members of the
LGBTQ community, consistent with the principles of fairness for all.”
GO-HRE
◦ GO-HRE is now a First Presidency approved program administered by the Office of General Counsel and
Church Communications Department (formerly Public Affairs). There is no formal or budgetary
connection to BYU but an informal affiliation with both the KCIS and ICLRS. Most of our team members
are called as Government Relations Missionaries. The principal objective is the teaching of the UDHR or
the CRC to all children of the world to be accomplished by persuading governments to add our Colega
lessons to the mandated formal curriculum of primary and secondary schools. 
◦ -- Explained by Don Holsinger, the idea man, former director of the Kennedy Center for International Studies, BYU, plus so
much more
◦ If the time comes in any society that the
predominant culture does not sufficiently value…
freedom of religion or speech or assembly or the
other essential liberties that we sometimes take
for granted… then laws, even constitutions, will
not be sufficient to sustain and preserve them.

– D. Todd Christofferson
GOHRE WEB PAGE
RIGHTS WITH LESSONS
RIGHTS FOR ALL

UDHR
◦ articles 3-11: constitute rights of the
individual, i.e., the right to life and the
prohibition of slavery.
◦ articles 12-17: are the rights of the
individual in civil and political society.
◦ articles 18-21: is concerned with
spiritual, public and political freedoms
such as freedom of religion and freedom
of association.
◦ articles 22-27: set out social, economic
and cultural rights.
Article 1
◦ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed
with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
brotherhood.
Article 2
◦ Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no
distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international
status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent,
trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3
◦ Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4
◦ No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5
◦ No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
Article 6
◦ Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
◦ Adopted 1989 ◦ The Convention establishes in international law
◦ 194 countries parties that States Parties must ensure that all children –
without discrimination in any form – benefit from
◦ US is not a party special protection measures and assistance; have
◦ The only countries that have not ratified the access to services such as education and health
treaty are Somalia, South Sudan, and the care; can develop their personalities, abilities and
United States talents to the fullest potential; grow up in an
environment of happiness, love and
understanding; and are informed about and
participate in, achieving their rights in an
accessible and active manner.
Feedback from teachers, examples of teaching
◦ Compilation
◦ Ghana
◦ Philippines
◦ Brazil
Links to resources and materials
◦ Geneva Office for Human Rights Education at https://go-hre.org/
◦ Convention on the Rights of the Child at https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention and
https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/convention-text
◦ UNICEF at https://www.unicef.org/about-unicef
◦ Universal Declaration of Human Rights at https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights