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Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights
P. C. Chang and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the world's best-known and most translated documents. When it was presented to the United Nations General Assembly in December in 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt, chair of the writing group, called it a new "Magna Carta for all mankind." The passage of time has shown Roosevelt to have been largely correct in her prediction as to the declaration's importance. No other document in the world today can claim a comparable standing in the international community.
Roosevelt and French legal expert René Cassin have often been represented as the principal authors of the declaration. But in fact, it resulted from a collaborative effort involving a number of individuals in different capacities. One of the declaration's most important authors was the vice chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Peng Chun Chang (1892-1957), a Chinese diplomat and philosopher whose contribution has been the focus of growing attention in recent years. Indeed, it is Chang who deserves the credit for the universality and religious ecumenism that are now regarded as the declaration's defining features. Despite this, Chang's extraordinary contribution has been overlooked by historians.
Peng Chun Chang was a modern-day Renaissance man—teacher, scholar, university chancellor, playwright, diplomat, and politician. A true cosmopolitan, he was deeply involved in the cultural exchange between East and West, and the dramatic events of his life left a profound mark on his intellectual and political work. P. C. Chang and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first biography of this extraordinary actor on the world stage, who belonged to the same generation as Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek. Drawing on previously unknown sources, it casts new light on Chang's multifaceted life and involvement with one of modern history's most important documents.
Roosevelt and French legal expert René Cassin have often been represented as the principal authors of the declaration. But in fact, it resulted from a collaborative effort involving a number of individuals in different capacities. One of the declaration's most important authors was the vice chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Peng Chun Chang (1892-1957), a Chinese diplomat and philosopher whose contribution has been the focus of growing attention in recent years. Indeed, it is Chang who deserves the credit for the universality and religious ecumenism that are now regarded as the declaration's defining features. Despite this, Chang's extraordinary contribution has been overlooked by historians.
Peng Chun Chang was a modern-day Renaissance man—teacher, scholar, university chancellor, playwright, diplomat, and politician. A true cosmopolitan, he was deeply involved in the cultural exchange between East and West, and the dramatic events of his life left a profound mark on his intellectual and political work. P. C. Chang and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first biography of this extraordinary actor on the world stage, who belonged to the same generation as Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek. Drawing on previously unknown sources, it casts new light on Chang's multifaceted life and involvement with one of modern history's most important documents.
- GenresChina
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2018
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November 16, 2020
This book is presented in two parts. The first part outlines P.C. Chang’s extremely interesting life, during a tumultuous time in China. He grew up, in many ways raised by his much old brother, Poling, who was interesting in his own right and the key individual who developed the Nankai schools and later university. The book continues by covering P.C. Chang’s education in the United States, as part of a unique settlement between China and the US in the wake of the Boxer revolution. In many ways, P.C. Chang was a man who had many talents, from writing about philosophy to putting on plays. He also was involved with teaching, university administration, and later become a diplomate, as Ambassador to Turkey, and later Chile in the 1940’s. He was named vice-chair of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) committee, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.
The second part of the book describes Chang’s contributions to the crafting the UNDH. Through the force of his personality, his ability to infuse humor to tense discussions, the ability to find compromise, and his knowledge of Chinese teachings of Confucius and Mencius, he made significant contributions for the UDHR, making it truly universal (namely not only a product of Western philosophy, but a document that all nationalities could see themselves in), as a document to humanize humanity (i.e., something that could be held up as what we should strive for, rather than a yardstick to measure shortcomings). He also attempted, mostly successfully, to make the document a practical rather than metaphysical guide to living, or the “art of living” that harmonized with the Confucian ideas. In some cases, this part of the book delves into the discussion about specific words used in the UDHR, but it strives to put those discussions in a large thought-framework.
A unique contribution this author brings to the subject is an extensive set of interview and exchanges with P.C. Chang’s son Stanley, himself a renown scientists, that cast new light on Chang’s life and provides new insights into his thinking on topics and interactions with other members of the UDHR writing group. Over the years, Chang’s contribute has been overshadowed by the chair, Roosevelt, and other members of the writing group, including Lebanese philosopher Charles Malik and French lawyer René Cassin. Yet, repeatedly in the literature, Chang’s contributions, especially to making this a document for ALL the people, was cited. The author felt it was time for a new telling.
Put another way, his contributions to “universality and religious neutrality have made the UN declaration extraordinarily effective in the world, particularly in societal debates. Chang’s broad conception of what constitute human rights – that they should include civil, political socioeconomic, and cultural rights – is also a highly valued approach in many parts of the world today …” (p 227)
Yet, the task is hard, given many of the principal participants were dead. The author does a bit of detective work, immerses himself in many of Chang’s writings, and offers some ideas based on his understanding.
Furthermore, the discussions with Chang’s son Stanley provide insights into his views of Chiang Kai-shek (not favorable) and his decision to step down from his role at the UN in 1952 given the Republic of China was a fake democracy at that time.
The book originally was published in Swedish in 2016, and translated and published in English in 2018. While one of the reviewers of the book called it a “page-turner,” I have to disagree. One needs to be very interested in the issues around human rights and think carefully as the author writes about it. On the other hand, P.C. Chang seems to be a complex individual, with multiple talents, and multiple blemishes (e.g., his professional views of human rights and his personal views of family where different – see below). He lived in interesting times, and made a unique contribution to the world.
Another key idea of Chang’s is in articulating the relationship between rights and duties. “He emphasized that the declaration should not be interpreted in an individualistic fashion but rather that is should convey the importance of one’s duties toward other human being and to society at large.” (p150)
And his private life often did not resemble the values he articulated. He was very traditional in Chinese family and was upset when the oldest son married a non-Chinese woman, even though Article 16 allows for freedom of marriage. It was also clear that the life for his children was very difficult. Chang’s wife did much to keep the family together when Chang was traveling a great deal.
As a nit, I would have thought the author could have included a copy of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the book, along with a table on which issues P.C. Chang weighed in on heavily. Here are two versions for the reader
https://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/ud..., released in 2015.
And
https://www.un.org/en/universal-decla... (some is below, truncated).
I note article 27 actually mentions science and art.
FB. The author makes a unique contribution to our understanding of Peng Chun (PC) Chang, arguing that his contributions to the UN’s University Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the new ‘Magna Charta for all mankind,’ (chair Eleanor Roosevelt) are significant in many ways. In particular the author argues that Chang’s contributed to “its (UNHR) universality, its religious neutrality, and its focus on the fundamental needs and the dignity of individual human beings. The idea that the UDHR should be a basis for ‘the art of living’ was also an idea that change strongly endorsed.” A worthwhile read for those interested in the man or the topic.
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
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.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote u
The second part of the book describes Chang’s contributions to the crafting the UNDH. Through the force of his personality, his ability to infuse humor to tense discussions, the ability to find compromise, and his knowledge of Chinese teachings of Confucius and Mencius, he made significant contributions for the UDHR, making it truly universal (namely not only a product of Western philosophy, but a document that all nationalities could see themselves in), as a document to humanize humanity (i.e., something that could be held up as what we should strive for, rather than a yardstick to measure shortcomings). He also attempted, mostly successfully, to make the document a practical rather than metaphysical guide to living, or the “art of living” that harmonized with the Confucian ideas. In some cases, this part of the book delves into the discussion about specific words used in the UDHR, but it strives to put those discussions in a large thought-framework.
A unique contribution this author brings to the subject is an extensive set of interview and exchanges with P.C. Chang’s son Stanley, himself a renown scientists, that cast new light on Chang’s life and provides new insights into his thinking on topics and interactions with other members of the UDHR writing group. Over the years, Chang’s contribute has been overshadowed by the chair, Roosevelt, and other members of the writing group, including Lebanese philosopher Charles Malik and French lawyer René Cassin. Yet, repeatedly in the literature, Chang’s contributions, especially to making this a document for ALL the people, was cited. The author felt it was time for a new telling.
Put another way, his contributions to “universality and religious neutrality have made the UN declaration extraordinarily effective in the world, particularly in societal debates. Chang’s broad conception of what constitute human rights – that they should include civil, political socioeconomic, and cultural rights – is also a highly valued approach in many parts of the world today …” (p 227)
Yet, the task is hard, given many of the principal participants were dead. The author does a bit of detective work, immerses himself in many of Chang’s writings, and offers some ideas based on his understanding.
Furthermore, the discussions with Chang’s son Stanley provide insights into his views of Chiang Kai-shek (not favorable) and his decision to step down from his role at the UN in 1952 given the Republic of China was a fake democracy at that time.
The book originally was published in Swedish in 2016, and translated and published in English in 2018. While one of the reviewers of the book called it a “page-turner,” I have to disagree. One needs to be very interested in the issues around human rights and think carefully as the author writes about it. On the other hand, P.C. Chang seems to be a complex individual, with multiple talents, and multiple blemishes (e.g., his professional views of human rights and his personal views of family where different – see below). He lived in interesting times, and made a unique contribution to the world.
Another key idea of Chang’s is in articulating the relationship between rights and duties. “He emphasized that the declaration should not be interpreted in an individualistic fashion but rather that is should convey the importance of one’s duties toward other human being and to society at large.” (p150)
And his private life often did not resemble the values he articulated. He was very traditional in Chinese family and was upset when the oldest son married a non-Chinese woman, even though Article 16 allows for freedom of marriage. It was also clear that the life for his children was very difficult. Chang’s wife did much to keep the family together when Chang was traveling a great deal.
As a nit, I would have thought the author could have included a copy of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the book, along with a table on which issues P.C. Chang weighed in on heavily. Here are two versions for the reader
https://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/ud..., released in 2015.
And
https://www.un.org/en/universal-decla... (some is below, truncated).
I note article 27 actually mentions science and art.
FB. The author makes a unique contribution to our understanding of Peng Chun (PC) Chang, arguing that his contributions to the UN’s University Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the new ‘Magna Charta for all mankind,’ (chair Eleanor Roosevelt) are significant in many ways. In particular the author argues that Chang’s contributed to “its (UNHR) universality, its religious neutrality, and its focus on the fundamental needs and the dignity of individual human beings. The idea that the UDHR should be a basis for ‘the art of living’ was also an idea that change strongly endorsed.” A worthwhile read for those interested in the man or the topic.
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
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.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote u
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