First Declaration of Human Rights by Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great (585-529BC), the Persian Emperor, defined the First Declaration of Human Rights on this Cylinder. Cyrus is admired more as a liberator than a conqueror of his vast empire because of his respect for human rights and the humane treatment of those he ruled.

The following from this ancient cylinder are rendition of the spirit of his message in modern English:

1. I declare that I will respect the tradition, customs and religion of the nations of my empire and never let any of governors to look down or insult the inhabitants of my nations.

2. I hereby abolish slavery; my governors are ordered to prohibit exchanging men and women as slaves within their ruling domains, such a tradition should be exterminated the world over.

3. If anyone oppresses others, should it happen, I will take his/her right back and penalize the oppressors.

4. Today, I declare freedom of religion. All are free to choose any religion, live in all regions and take up any job provided that they never violate other’s rights.

These proclamations right True today in our times are they did in 538 B.C.