HUMAN RIGHTS

THE MIRACLE OF LIFE

Human beings have the right to what is human. All of us are composed of cells, which are composed of molecules, which are composed of atoms. Atoms of the ninety-two elements that make up both the Atlantic ocean and the trees in the Amazon. And that make up the entire universe. The same ninety-two “musical notes” of the cosmic symphony that produced the atoms in the body of the Queen of England or Bill Gates also produced those of a street child.

But today a significant share of humanity still aspires to enjoy the rights of animals. Eating, raising a family, and having shelter are necessities that neither nature nor society deny to animals. Yet the greed of profit and property denies these rights to half the world’s six billion inhabitants. In Brazil, out of a population of 167 million, 54 million live below the poverty line.

A human being is a miracle of life. We do not choose the family, the social class or the nation in which we are born. We can either be rich or poor. We are all children of a biological lottery. However, the extreme inequality in the world is a shocking social injustice. To recognize this should provoke in us – the lottery winners – a minimal sense of personal obligation to those who have not been so lucky. There is a strong ethical need to give voice to the voiceless, so that tomorrow they can speak for themselves. The time to do it is now.

BETTO, F. “Preface: In Defense of the Miracle of Life” (adapted). Human Rights in Brazil. Justiça Global, 2000. In: MARQUES, A; TAVARES, K. New Password: read and learn. Volume 8. 1 ed. São Paulo: Ática, 2002. p. 207-208.

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