Vishwa Samvidhan: The Covenant of Earth

1.1. Definition of Being:

For the purposes of this Covenant, "being" encompasses all members of the human species and extends profound respect and consideration to all sentient life forms with whom we share this Planet, recognizing their capacity to experience well-being and suffering.

1.2. Inherent Right to Life and Natural Flourishing:

Every human being possesses an inherent, inviolable right to life from its natural beginning to its natural end, and to pursue conditions conducive to their fullest physical, mental, spiritual, and social flourishing, in balance with the rights of others and the well-being of the planetary whole.

1.3. Absolute Prohibition of Torture and Cruel Treatment:

No human being shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. This includes psychological torture, systemic neglect designed to cause suffering, and any form of experimentation that violates inherent dignity. This prohibition is absolute and admits no exceptions.

1.4. Prohibition of Slavery and Exploitation:

Slavery, servitude, forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and all analogous practices that commodify or fundamentally exploit human beings are unequivocally prohibited. Economic systems shall be structured to prevent such exploitation.

1.5. Bodily Autonomy and Integrity:

Every individual has the right to bodily autonomy, integrity, and self-determination concerning their own person, including reproductive freedom and the right to make informed decisions about medical treatments, free from coercion or non-consensual interference, consistent with public health safeguards defined by compassion and necessity.

2.1. Principle of Undifferentiated Equality:

All human beings are born free and are equal in dignity and rights before the law and within society, without any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, color, ethnicity, caste, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, language, religion, spiritual belief or non-belief, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic status, property, birth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, marital status, or any other status capable of creating unjust differentiation.

2.2. Right to Preserve and Express Cultural Identity:

Individuals and communities have the right to develop, practice, preserve, and transmit their unique cultural heritages, languages, artistic forms, traditional knowledge, and ways of life, provided such practices are consistent with the fundamental rights and dignities enshrined in this Covenant. Cultural pluralism is recognized as a vital component of humanity's collective richness.

2.3. Active Measures Against Systemic Discrimination:

All levels of governance and societal institutions have a proactive duty to identify, prevent, and redress systemic discrimination, historical injustices, and unconscious biases, implementing measures to ensure substantive equality of opportunity and outcome for all individuals and groups.

2.4. Protection from Hate Speech and Incitement to Violence:

Advocacy of national, racial, ethnic, religious, or any other form of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence is prohibited by law. Education promoting empathy, critical thinking about prejudice, and intercultural understanding shall be actively fostered globally.

3.1. Inviolable Freedom of Thought, Conscience, Religion, and Belief:

Every person has the absolute right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief; this right includes the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of their choice, to change their religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, teaching, and spiritual inquiry, or to hold no belief at all. No one shall be subject to coercion that would impair their freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief.

3.2. Freedom of Opinion, Expression, and Access to Information:

Everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of their choice. This freedom extends to scientific research, artistic creation, and academic discourse.

3.3. Limitations on Expression:

The exercise of the rights provided for in clause 3.2 carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by globally harmonized law and are necessary and proportionate: (a) For respect of the rights, dignities, or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of planetary security, defined as direct and imminent threats to the survival of widespread ecosystems or human populations; (c) For the protection of public order (ordre public) in a manner consistent with a free and democratic global society; (d) For the protection of public health in times of certified global pandemics; (e) To prevent direct and immediate incitement to violence or ecocide.

3.4. Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association:

The right of peaceful assembly, demonstration, and association, both online and offline, shall be recognized and protected. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with globally harmonized law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of planetary security, public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

3.5. Secular and Pluralistic Public Sphere:

Governance institutions at all levels shall maintain neutrality concerning specific religions or beliefs, ensuring that no single worldview is privileged or imposed, and that public spaces are inclusive and respectful of all faiths and non-faiths alike, fostering an environment of spiritual pluralism and mutual respect.

4.1. Declaration of Planetary Citizenship:

Every human being is recognized as a citizen of Planet Earth, in addition to any local, regional, or national affiliations they may hold. This planetary citizenship implies shared rights and responsibilities for the global commons, the health of Earth, and the well-being of all humanity.

4.2. Right to Identity and Affiliation:

Every individual has the right to a nationality and to belong to communities of their choosing that provide identity, belonging, and cultural continuity, provided such affiliations do not contravene the principles of this Covenant.

4.3. Freedom of Movement, Residence, and Asylum:

Subject to laws established under this Covenant that are necessary for ecological sustainability, public health, and the maintenance of essential public services, everyone lawfully within the territory of any region of Earth shall have the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose their residence. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other regions asylum from persecution, ecological devastation, or existential threat.

4.4. Global Cooperation for Shared Challenges:

The Peoples of Earth commit to addressing shared global challenges through institutions and processes characterized by democratic legitimacy, inclusivity, transparency, and efficacy. Such challenges include, but are are not limited to, climate stabilization, biodiversity protection, pandemic preparedness and response, sustainable development, equitable resource management, and the prevention of large-scale conflict.

5.1. Recognition of Nature's Sentience and Intrinsic Value:

Planet Earth (Prakriti) and its constituent ecosystems (atmosphere, oceans, freshwaters, land, forests, mountains, cryosphere), their natural communities of life, and fundamental geophysiological processes are recognized as possessing inherent worth, sentience (in varying forms), and intrinsic rights to exist, thrive, regenerate, maintain their vital cycles, and evolve naturally, irrespective of their perceived utility to human beings.

5.2. Humanity's Role as Conscious Steward and Part of Nature:

Humanity acknowledges its unique consciousness and capacity, and therefore its profound ethical responsibility, to act as a respectful, knowledgeable, and compassionate steward and guardian of Earth’s living systems, recognizing itself not as separate from, but as an integral part of, the web of life.

5.3. Fundamental Rights of Natural Systems:

Specific ecosystems, species, and significant natural entities (e.g., major rivers, ancient forests, atmospheric commons) possess, at minimum, the following fundamental rights: (a) The right to exist and persist; (b) The right to habitat and to conditions necessary for their natural life cycles and evolutionary processes; (c) The right to restoration from harm caused by human activities; (d) The right to be free from pollution and ecocidal destruction.

5.4. Crime of Ecocide:

Acts causing severe, widespread, or long-term irreversible damage to Earth's ecosystems, leading to the catastrophic loss of biodiversity, the disruption of fundamental planetary life-support systems, or rendering significant parts of Earth uninhabitable or unrecoverable, are defined as Ecocide. Ecocide is recognized as a supreme crime against Earth, humanity, and all life, and shall be subject to prevention, prohibition, and universal jurisdiction for accountability and redress.

5.5. Legal Standing and Guardianship for Nature:

Mechanisms under globally harmonized law shall be established to grant legal standing to natural entities and ecosystems, allowing designated human guardians, indigenous communities, or specialized ecological bodies to advocate for, defend, and seek remedy for violations of Nature’s rights in adjudicatory forums.

5.6. Ecological Education and Consciousness:

Education at all levels shall cultivate a deep understanding of ecological principles, the interconnectedness of life, and the ethical imperatives of this Article, fostering an ecological consciousness that views Nature as kin and essential partner.

6.1. Universal Entitlement to Essentials for Dignified Life:

Every human being has an unconditional right to a standard of living adequate for their holistic well-being, encompassing access to: (a) Clean, safe, and sufficient water and sanitation; (b) Nutritious, sustainably produced, and culturally appropriate food; (c) Secure, healthy, and adequate housing; (d) Comprehensive and accessible healthcare, including preventative, curative, mental, emotional, and palliative care; (e) Essential energy from sustainable sources; (f) Basic clothing suitable for their environment.

6.2. Right to Comprehensive and Liberating Education:

All individuals possess the right to free, equitable, and high-quality education throughout all stages of life. Education shall aim at the full development of the human personality, fostering: (a) Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills; (b) Ethical reasoning, compassion, and empathy; (c) Ecological literacy and understanding of planetary systems; (d) Knowledge of diverse cultures, histories, and spiritual traditions; (e) Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills; (f) Skills for meaningful contribution to society and sustainable livelihoods; (g) A commitment to the principles of this Covenant.

6.3. Right to a Safe, Nurturing, and Non-Toxic Environment:

Every person is entitled to live, work, learn, and play in an environment free from hazardous pollution, toxic substances, excessive noise, and other forms of environmental degradation that threaten health or well-being. The protection of children and vulnerable populations from environmental harm is a paramount duty.

6.4. Right to Meaningful Vocation and Just Conditions of Work:

Every individual capable and willing to contribute has the right to freely choose or accept meaningful work and vocation, under conditions of safety, dignity, and fairness, with just remuneration ensuring a decent living for themselves and their families, and reasonable working hours. The right to form and join associations for the protection of worker interests is guaranteed. Exploitative labor practices are prohibited.

6.5. Right to Rest, Leisure, Play, and Cultural Participation:

The inherent human need for rest, leisure, play, artistic expression, and participation in cultural life is recognized as vital for individual well-being and societal vibrancy. Society shall promote conditions that allow for the fulfillment of these needs for all, across all ages.

6.6. Special Protection for Children:

Every child has the right to special care, protection, and assistance to enable their full physical, mental, moral, spiritual, and social development in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding. The best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children. Child labor, exploitation, abuse, and neglect are prohibited and shall be actively combated.

6.7. Dignity and Support for the Elderly and Vulnerable:

Elderly persons and individuals with disabilities or other vulnerabilities have the right to live in dignity, receive appropriate care and support that enables their fullest possible participation in society, and to be protected from neglect, abuse, and discrimination.

7.1. Purpose and Legitimacy of Governance:

All institutions of governance, at every level from local to global, derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and exist solely to serve the well-being of the Earth community as defined in this Covenant, to uphold its principles, and to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and the sustainable flourishing of all.

7.2. Radical Transparency and Access to Information:

All processes of governance, decision-making, resource allocation, and law enforcement shall be conducted with the highest degree of transparency. Information held by public bodies is presumed to be public, subject only to narrowly defined exceptions necessary and proportionate for the protection of fundamental privacy rights or imminent planetary security, as determined by independent oversight.

7.3. Right to Democratic Participation and Representation:

Every adult citizen has the right and responsibility to participate in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives selected through periodic, genuine, and universally accessible electoral or deliberative processes that guarantee the free expression of the will of the electors. Governance structures shall ensure fair representation of diverse perspectives.

7.4. Accountability, Rule of Law, and Independent Judiciary:

All persons, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the organs of governance themselves, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, independently adjudicated, and consistent with the principles of this Covenant. An independent, impartial, and competent judiciary shall be established to ensure the fair administration of justice and the protection of rights.

7.5. Subsidiarity, Decentralization, and Global Coordination:

Matters of governance shall be handled at the most local, decentralized level competent to address them effectively (subsidiarity). Global coordinating bodies, operating under the strict mandate of this Covenant, shall address only those matters of inherently planetary scale or those which cannot be adequately resolved at lower levels, ensuring such coordination enhances local autonomy rather than diminishing it.

7.6. Ethical Conduct and Prohibition of Corruption:

Public officials and those entrusted with governance responsibilities hold a sacred trust and must act with utmost integrity, selflessness, and solely in the public and planetary interest. Corruption, bribery, abuse of power, and illicit enrichment in public office are grave violations of this Covenant and shall be rigorously prevented, investigated, and prosecuted.

8.1. Sacred Trust for Future Generations:

The present generations of humanity hold Planet Earth, its ecosystems, its biodiversity, its cultural heritage, and its potential for future flourishing as a sacred trust for all unborn generations. This stewardship is a paramount ethical obligation.

8.2. Inherent Rights of Future Generations:

Future generations possess inherent and inalienable rights to inherit a planet that is ecologically viable, healthy, diverse, and capable of supporting their dignified existence, well-being, and aspirations. They have a right to an equitable share of Earth's natural and cultural endowment, free from undue burdens imposed by past generations.

8.3. Prohibition of Irreversible Intergenerational Harm:

Actions by the present generation that are known or reasonably foreseeable to cause severe, widespread, and irreversible harm to essential planetary systems (such as climate, oceans, or biodiversity), create unmanageable long-lived toxic waste, or deplete critical non-renewable resources without sustainable alternatives, thereby unjustly compromising the well-being of future generations, are prohibited.

8.4. Principle of Intergenerational Equity in Decision-Making:

All significant long-term policy, planning, and resource allocation decisions at global, regional, and local levels must incorporate systematic assessment of their potential impacts on future generations. Mechanisms such as intergenerational impact statements, dedicated advocacy bodies for future interests (e.g., Ombudspersons for Future Generations), and weighted consideration in deliberative processes shall be established and maintained.

8.5. Duty to Preserve Knowledge and Wisdom for the Future:

Humanity has a duty to preserve and transmit the accumulated knowledge, wisdom, diverse cultural expressions, and essential survival skills of past and present civilizations to future generations, ensuring they have the intellectual and cultural resources needed to navigate their own challenges and opportunities.

9.1. Purpose of Economic Activity:

Economic systems shall be designed and regulated to serve the primary purpose of ensuring universal access to the essentials of a dignified life (as defined in Article 6.1), fostering equitable prosperity, supporting community well-being, and operating within the regenerative capacities of planetary ecosystems. The accumulation of wealth shall not be an end in itself nor be pursued at the expense of human dignity or ecological integrity.

9.2. Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Reduction of Gross Inequality:

The global community commits to the swift and permanent eradication of extreme poverty and destitution. Measures shall be implemented to progressively reduce extreme disparities in wealth and income that undermine social cohesion, equal opportunity, and democratic integrity.

9.3. Stewardship of Global Commons and Shared Resources:

Resources considered the common heritage of humankind (e.g., the deep seabed, Antarctica, outer space resources, global atmospheric commons, fundamental scientific knowledge) shall be managed under international cooperative frameworks ensuring their sustainable use, equitable benefit-sharing for all humanity (particularly for disadvantaged communities and future generations), and preservation for posterity.

9.4. Promotion of Diverse and Resilient Economic Models:

A diversity of economic models, including community-based economies, cooperatives, social enterprises, commons-based peer production, and ethical market mechanisms that internalize social and ecological costs, shall be encouraged and supported to foster resilience, local self-reliance, and alignment with the principles of this Covenant.

9.5. Financial System in Service to the Real Economy and Sustainability:

The global financial system shall be regulated to ensure stability, prevent systemic risk, serve the needs of the real economy (production of goods and services for human well-being), discourage purely speculative activities that create instability or social harm, and actively channel investment towards ecologically sustainable and socially beneficial enterprises.

9.6. Prohibition of Usury and Predatory Financial Practices:

Financial practices that exploit vulnerability, lead to inescapable debt cycles, or charge unconscionable rates of interest, are prohibited. Access to fair and ethical financial services is a right.

10.1. Renunciation of Aggressive War and Violence:

The Peoples of Earth renounce aggressive war, the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any community, and any other manner of violence inconsistent with the principles of this Covenant as instruments of policy. The right to self-defense against armed attack, in accordance with principles of proportionality and necessity, is recognized but strictly limited and subject to global oversight.

10.2. Commitment to Universal Disarmament:

A phased, verifiable, and universal process of disarmament shall be pursued, beginning with the complete elimination of all nuclear, chemical, biological, autonomous, and other weapons of mass or indiscriminate destruction. Conventional armaments shall be progressively reduced to levels required solely for internal community security and internationally sanctioned peace operations.

10.3. Global Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation:

Robust global and regional mechanisms for peaceful conflict prevention, mediation, arbitration, and reconciliation shall be established and empowered. These will address root causes of conflict, promote dialogue, and support non-violent transformation of disputes.

10.4. Global Peace Service (Reimagined Security Force):

A small, highly trained, and strictly accountable Global Peace Service, composed of individuals from all regions serving humanity (not national interests), may be established under the mandate of global coordinating bodies. Its sole functions shall be: (a) to assist in verifying disarmament agreements; (b) to provide rapid humanitarian aid and disaster relief where local capacity is overwhelmed; (c) to protect civilian populations from imminent mass atrocity crimes (Ecocide, Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity) when all other non-violent means have been exhausted and under strict criteria authorized by a supermajority of a globally representative body. It shall not possess offensive capabilities beyond those necessary for self-defense and mandated civilian protection.

10.5. Education for a Culture of Peace:

Global education curricula shall systematically promote a culture of peace, non-violence, empathy, conflict resolution skills, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all peoples, dismantling narratives that glorify war or dehumanize others.

11.1. Right to Truthful Information and Media Pluralism:

All individuals have the right to access diverse, accurate, and truthful information essential for informed decision-making and participation in a democratic society. Media pluralism, independence of journalism from undue influence (state or private), and robust measures to counter deliberate large-scale disinformation and manipulation that threaten public well-being or democratic processes, shall be upheld globally.

11.2. Media Literacy and Critical Discernment:

Education systems and public information initiatives shall foster critical media literacy, enabling individuals to evaluate sources, discern truth from falsehood, understand manipulative techniques, and engage constructively with the information environment.

11.3. Open Access to Knowledge and Scientific Advancement:

Knowledge created through publicly funded research and essential scientific data shall be made openly accessible to all humanity for the common good, fostering global collaboration and accelerating solutions to shared challenges, subject to necessary protections for individual privacy and legitimate security concerns as defined narrowly in this Covenant.

11.4. Preservation of Shared Human Heritage:

The diverse cultural, artistic, historical, and intellectual heritage of humankind, including indigenous knowledge systems, shall be diligently preserved, protected from destruction, and made accessible for the enrichment and education of present and future generations.

11.5. Ethical Governance of Emerging Technologies (AI, Biotechnology, etc.):

The development and deployment of powerful emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and neurotechnology, shall be guided by profound ethical principles rooted in this Covenant, ensuring they serve human and planetary well-being, uphold dignity and autonomy, prevent harm, ensure equitable access to benefits, and are subject to transparent, democratic oversight and global governance frameworks to mitigate existential risks.

11.6. Right to Digital Privacy and Data Sovereignty:

Every individual has the right to privacy in their digital communications and personal data. The collection, storage, processing, and sharing of personal data must be based on informed consent, transparency, necessity, and purpose limitation, with individuals retaining rights of access, rectification, and erasure. Mass surveillance inconsistent with the principles of a free society is prohibited.

12.1. Fundamental Duty of Care:

Every individual and collective entity has a fundamental duty to act with care and consideration for the rights, dignity, and well-being of other human beings, other life forms, the integrity of ecosystems, and the health of Planet Earth. The exercise of rights entails the responsibility not to infringe upon the rights of others or the common good.

12.2. Responsibility to Participate in and Uphold the Covenant:

All Peoples of Earth and all governance institutions have a shared responsibility to know, uphold, promote, and actively implement the principles and provisions of this Covenant within their spheres of influence and to contribute to its continual evolution through peaceful and constructive means.

12.3. Duty to Foster Peace and Understanding:

Every individual has a responsibility to contribute, according to their capacity, to the creation of a culture of peace, non-violence, empathy, and mutual understanding, challenging prejudice and fostering dialogue across differences.

12.4. Responsibility for Sustainable Living:

Individuals, communities, and corporations have a shared responsibility to adopt sustainable patterns of consumption and production, minimize their ecological footprint, conserve resources, and contribute to the regeneration of natural systems.

12.5. Duty to Contribute to Community Well-being:

According to their abilities, all persons have a responsibility to contribute to the common good of their local, regional, and global communities through civic participation, voluntary service, ethical conduct in their vocations, and by supporting institutions that uphold this Covenant.

The following descriptions outline foundational concepts for essential global organs. Their precise structure, mandate, and implementation require profound and inclusive deliberation by the Peoples of Earth, guided by the principles of this Covenant.

13.1. The Earth Council (Provisional Concept): A deliberative and coordinating body, distinct from a world government, with diverse representation (e.g., bioregional, functional, indigenous, not solely nation-state based). Its purpose would be to foster global dialogue, monitor Covenant implementation, propose solutions to planetary issues, and facilitate coherence in humanity's collective stewardship.

13.2. The Planetary Rights Tribunal (Provisional Concept): For adjudicating gross violations of fundamental human rights as defined in this Covenant, the Rights of Nature (Article 5), and the crime of Ecocide. It would act with universal jurisdiction where local remedies are unavailable, ineffective, or compromised, ensuring accountability for supreme crimes against Earth and Life.

13.3. The Office of the Guardian for Future Generations (Provisional Concept): An independent global institution tasked with systemically advocating for intergenerational equity (Article 8). It would review all major global policies for their long-term impact, championing the rights and interests of unborn generations in all relevant forums.

13.4. The Global Commons Stewardship Trust (Provisional Concept): To oversee the democratic and ethical management, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing of resources declared common heritage of humankind (Article 9.3), ensuring their preservation for posterity and benefit to all, especially the most vulnerable.

All such bodies must operate with radical transparency, clearly limited mandates, robust checks and balances, mechanisms for universal accountability, and principles of rotational service to prevent entrenched power. Their design must be inherently subsidiary, empowering local autonomy wherever possible.

This Covenant is intended as a foundational guide for ages. Its amendment must therefore be an exceptionally rigorous yet feasible process, safeguarding its core while allowing for evolution in understanding and application. The precise mechanisms require careful, participatory design.

Potential Principles for Amendment & Review:

• Amendments to alter fundamental principles, Core Pillars, or to diminish enumerated rights and protections should require near-universal consensus, achieved through multi-tiered global deliberation and supermajorities across diverse representative bodies and/or direct global referenda.
• A process for periodic review (e.g., every 50-100 Earth years, or seven generations) could be established. Such reviews, conducted by globally representative Constituent Assemblies, would assess the Covenant's application, identify areas needing clarification or development in light of profound shifts in human understanding, consciousness, or planetary conditions.
• All processes of review and amendment must be transparent, inclusive, and deeply deliberative, always guided by the foundational Preamble, Core Pillars, and the overarching spirit of the Covenant.
• Emergency provisions for amendment, if any, must be extraordinarily stringent and limited to existential threats to the Covenant's own continuity or planetary survival.

The goal is to ensure stability against transient pressures while embracing the necessity of wisdom's growth over millennia, ensuring the Covenant remains a living, relevant guide for all future generations.

15.1. Guiding Principles for Interpretation:

This Covenant shall be interpreted holistically, in light of its Preamble, Core Pillars, and overarching purpose to foster unity, justice, peace, and sustainable flourishing for all life on Earth. Interpretations shall favor the broadest protection of fundamental rights and the integrity of planetary ecosystems. The evolving understanding of science, ethics, and universal wisdom traditions shall inform its application over time.

15.2. Supremacy and Harmonization:

This Covenant represents the supreme aspirational and ethical framework for all humanity. All local, regional, national, and international laws, treaties, and customs shall be interpreted and applied in harmony with its principles. Where direct conflict exists, the spirit and letter of this Covenant shall guide transformation and resolution towards greater alignment.

15.3. Non-Derogation of Core Rights:

No part of this Covenant may be interpreted as implying for any state, group, or person any right to engage in any activity or perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein or at their limitation to a greater extent than is provided for in the Covenant. Certain core rights, as defined within its articles (e.g., prohibition of torture, right to life, freedom from slavery), are non-derogable under any circumstances.