Respect for Cultural Diversity and Pluralism

Abstract

In October 2005, the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights was unanimously adopted by the 191 Member States of UNESCO in Paris. The Declaration formulates 15 general principles to guide decisions and practices in bioethics. Article 12 presents the principle of respect for cultural diversity and pluralism: “The importance of cultural diversity and pluralism should be given due regard. However, such considerations are not to be invoked to infringe upon human dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, nor upon the principles set out in this Declaration, not to limit their scope” (UNESCO 2005, Art 12). The aim of this contribution is to clarify the background as well as the significance and limitations of this principle. To better understand why this principle is included in the Declaration as one of the fundamental principles of today’s bioethics, it is necessary to explain the specific context in which it has emerged. This context is determined on the one hand by the mission and perspective of UNESCO, as the only United Nations organization concerned with culture, education and science, on the other hand by the development of bioethics as a global endeavor that is no longer only a concern of more developed and resource-rich countries.