Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Right to Expression....Nationality

During World War II,
 the Nazi regime took away passports from persecuted German citizens.
After this war, the Right to Nationality
became Article 15 in the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).


I declare the Right to Nationality,
whereby each citizen has the right to retain
a legal document stating 
a person's citizenship,
as a necessary document for existence
on an Earth divided into countries.

This right supports the Right to Security.
 the Right to History, and the Right to Cultural Heritage.

However, this right, as a necessary feature of the current world system,
 shall not be used
to undermine the Right to Respect
and the Right to Equality
of each person.


Revision: thanks to commenter A.G., CTK, Chuck F.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

When one takes away another’s nationality, one also takes their history from them. Nationality provides a background on who one is and where one came from, it gives a person pride and understanding of who that person is. A person with no nationality is as good as a person with amnesia; a person with no knowledge of who he is or where he came from. We are all different in personality and with a different history; that is what makes us unique in our own way.
AG

Anonymous said...

Everyone has the right to nationality, this helps us show and give others an idea of who we are, where we are coming from, what our traditions are, etc.
Cyn.U

Anonymous said...

Nationality does not only show where one is from but one's culture and traditions. It is a way of identifying oneself. Nationality makes us who we are and we should be proud of it. Nationality is a very important part of one’s personality and when someone takes away one's nationality, there is no variety within a population. Nationality is what gives variety between people since each nationality has different customs. GIM

LXC said...

Nationality is one of the things that makes us different than one another. With nationality comes a particular history, culture, traditions, values, and beliefs. Be it American, French, Canadian, or Mexican, we are all unique and would like to keep our national pride. When the right to nationality is taken away from us, so is part of our identity and the right to have an identity, and unfortunately the right to nationality is still abused in some parts of the world. The right to nationality also comes with national pride. Americans have great pride in their country and their freedom, and it is one of the most important right to us - the right to be an American!

Nitecruzr said...

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Anonymous said...

Nationality may be a right. But heritage and culture is what makes us unique. We are born into it and carry it always regardless of where we end up. In the United States we also carry the nationalities of our heritage. These cultural influences define us and make us unique and at the same time part of a larger national culture. As the earth grows smaller and lines are grayed, why is nationality such an important right? If you read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it advocates nationalism as a right, but it more specifically calls for a new world order where all people are equal and have equal rights. With that said, in some cases all nationalism serves to do is create an ability to limit or regulate people and cultures based on geographical boundaries and political influence.
So the only advantage of a right to nationality is that if you don’t like the nationality you have, you can (theoretically) always change it. I prefer the right to security as a functional right over nationality.
CTK

Anonymous said...

My views on Nationality may differ from everyone. Nationality, like a brand, is simply a label. What if we were just one? Aren't we? Then I ask myself why do we need to have a right to Nationality? Why don't we instead have the right to equality? This, then will eliminate ignorance like racism and hatred amongst a race with false claims of a master one.

Chuck F.

Anonymous said...

It just goes to show you how events in history can do to strengthen the human pride on their right to their nationality...

YODA

Anonymous said...

I highly support the right to nationality. This right is important because it gives us the right to vote. When we vote we exercise one of our most powerful rights. It gives us the power to be heard and make important changes, whether it is voting for a president or a new amendment. It does not matter if we gain this right by birth or naturalization, when vote, we acknowledge how important we are to our country. RR.

Anonymous said...

I support the right to nationality as a form of security. I say this because someone’s nationality and cultural background may come from two completely different places. For instance, if someone was born in another country, their true nationality is of that country. If the person moves to another country and gains citizenship to seek a better opportunity, does that change your nationality?
~TP~

Anonymous said...

This is a great right! All those that live and breathe should be treated equally and should not have their citizenship taken from them. That is what makes someone and what makes culture, and culture is needed to show diversity in the world. So everyone should have the right to nationality _

VA

Anonymous said...

I declare the right to nationality, but what is the definition of nationality? A legal relationship involving allegiance on the part of an individual and usually protection on the part of the state. All of us are human, and we should all be treated equally and the same, and if you are not doing any harm, why should your citizenship be taken away, many people move from other countries to get a better opportunity and a better life for there family. We should treat them as outcast or individuals. AFF

Anonymous said...

Our nationally is our backbone and it shows who we are as a culture and as people. If you take away our right to nationally, you take away our freedom to be unique. This uniqueness is what makes the world diverse.
Robert M. Pino

Anonymous said...

Sometimes nationality matters and protects you. In the early 70’s my family was forced to leave Chile where we had lived for several years. Only because we were American nationals did we manage to get out with no harm. Chileans on the other hand were persecuted or exiled for their political views with no expectation of protection. We tout the USA as being the greatest country, and I agree. But that’s because we have rights and recognize them. However nationals of countries that don’t respect human rights have no purpose for their nationalism. That’s why people come to the US and why we welcome them as Americans. Cuban-Americans have a tremendous sense of nationalism. But that Cuba is long gone. It is only the culture and heritage that matter in the end. The nation you live in is just a place and depending on your views and philosophies not always a good place. CTK

Anonymous said...

I believe in the Right to Nationality. It is the heart of who we are. It is important that we know where we come from. Not only our nationality but culture and traditions help define who we are as a people. It should not be taken away from anyone. DS

Anonymous said...

I can support "The Right to Nationality". However, as a United States citizen, my nationality doesn't clearly define me. Of course, I am proud to be a citizen in what I still believe to be the greatest nation of the world. JS

Anonymous said...

Nationality is important because it is a base or foundation of who we started as but it does not always define us or mean that we are what we came from. In the end we are who we choose to be so I don’t think this right will serve any purpose but I do believe that nationality should always be held in a persons mind to remind them of their past and lifestyle of their ancestors. I think each individual person truly has their own nationality whether it is a modified version of their background/backgrounds or something they completely created on their own. Nationality is almost another word for stereotype. It is not unique enough.
LZ-

Anonymous said...

I understand that nationalities were not meant to separate people into different groups. Nationalities just gift us our culture, our identity. My nationality tells me where I come from and who I am. We should all have the right to nationality and be grateful to have it. AO

Anonymous said...

Our nationality defines us and it shows who we are as a culture,and make us unique. It's a very important part of our personality and pride. It should also include the right to security,where all people are equal and have the same rights.Cjj

Anonymous said...

If we look in the dictionary, Nationality is the status of belonging to a particular nation, whether by birth or naturalization. I agree with the Right to Nationality. All human beings must have the right to nationality, this is inviolable, inobjectable and universal right, that nobody can take from you. This identifies you, is a stamp on you, it goes with you wherever you go and forever. Your nationality says who you are and where are you coming from, culture, values, and family. It has your hisotry and culture. It is not only your background, it’s what you have to give others.
-GLT

Anonymous said...

I think having a nationality is not the important thing, but rather the right to your culture and history. For instance, some people are born in other countries,and then become naturalized citizens of the U.S. Yes their nationality changed but that does not mean they are no longer Nicaraguan, Italian,etc. I see nationality more towards the place you are a citizen not where you are from.

-LizR

Anonymous said...

In a world that is full of many diverse nationalities, having important documentation stating where you are from and your background has a positive and negative effect. Yes, the Right to Nationality can assist with knowing our history and learning more about oneself. It is what makes you, you. On the contrary, nationality is something that always comes with arguments, and bias discrimination. Nationality should not be used to segregate our people from one another. We are all human. We are all equal.
-PCR.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right to nationality as long as we can choose to represent or change it with no discrimination. One should always remember where they came from, but shouldn't be denied their right to move where they want just because they might not be of the same race.
In the end we are all the same.
-A.Q-

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality proves to people that everyone comes from somewhere, it specifies peoples special and unique traits and belifes. It gives other people a glimpse of other countries customs and traits.-RBM

Anonymous said...

We all have the right to anything our hearts desire especially our nationality. In my opinion nationality separates us we are all humans at the end of the day. Just like we have illegal immigrants and we can’t go to certain countries due to that were Americans were discriminated. Why? At the end of the day we all have the same body parts and all are going to eventually die. We should all be equal I think nationalities divide us. Culture and traits are all different but why if we all came from the same place just everyone has changed it to their preference. What I mean by the same place from beginning of time we all were cavemen at once. Did they have nationalities and immigrants? I don’t think so why do we now.

SB

Anonymous said...

I believe that nationality is an important aspect of the individual’s and group’s self identity. It provides a strong sense of nation oriented position, historical value, and a sense of belonging. I do feel that we should implement the Right to Equality of each person to go hand in hand with the Right to Nationality. We should not discriminate other nationalities because they are different than our own. At the end of the day, we are all humans. -KKP

Anonymous said...

I feel that the right to nationality is a right that should be embraced by all. Some people choose not to recognize their nationality or embrace it but that is their choice. I think that out nationality is a part of our identity and is very important on a personal level.

Anonymous said...

I feel that the right to nationality is a right that should be embraced by all. Some people choose not to recognize their nationality or embrace it but that is their choice. I think that out nationality is a part of our identity and is very important on a personal level.
C.Munoz

Anonymous said...

The Right to Nationality is important;Therefore, should be respected by all. My nationality is one of the things that I am most proud of, so if there wasn't a right to it a lot of us would be just the same. No one would have a place to say they are from. That would be devastating because I come from a superb place. I would die and choose to be born from that same place. JE

Anonymous said...

I believe in the Right of Nationality and I am proud to be an American. I am proud of my country, my history, my freedom, our soldiers that protect us, and my declaration of independence.
KP

Anonymous said...

The Right to Nationality is a very important right. We should all be proud and thankful to have this right. Although, in some areas of the United States we are now being automatically singled out by looks, appearance and even accent and this can become a problem. It can be offensive to someone who is Cuban for example, and be judged by others as a Mexican simply because of appearance. Regardless of people's ignorance we should not be mistaken and instead educate those on the differences in nationalities and cultures. NOBRA

Anonymous said...

hey people

GT said...

I agree with CTK and Chuck, why nationality ? why not equality? Even though the right to nationality does favor those who are proud of their culture and heritage, wouldn't a right to equality and to practice equality embrace a larger and deeper concept? After all we were given this world, we were given this life and what our ancestors and history have taught us (if anything) that segregation and racial distinction leads to disagreements and violence at times, then why not just be proud of being humans and rejoice in this fact with everyone we find in our paths no matter what their background. I'm proud of my culture and history but I rejoice more in the freedom I have of sharing my thoughts and offering my help with anyone without looking at their background or passports.

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality is an expression of whom we are and where our heritage came from. Although it does not always work to our advantage in today's society. Nationality is still an issue even in today's world. People have prejudices against others because they are different from them. When will it stop? It does not matter what a person's nationality is, what matters is that they are a human being and have the god given right to be proud of their nationality. RhW

Anonymous said...

Nationality is a necessary formality. It gives us a sense of security. It grants us the opportunity to change history by exercising the right to vote. But, what really defines us as a person is not our nationality. It is our cultural background, moral standards, religious beliefs, and traditions.
Torpedo179

Anonymous said...

The Right to Nationality is important for oneself. It is how each person starts their traditions. It is how each person identifies and relates to others. I do believe each person should have the right to have documentation reflecting their nationality as long as they aren't collecting these documents as they move and travel. JENS

Anonymous said...

The Universal Declaration of Humans Rights states “Everyone has the right to a nationality”. One’s nationality can be a part of one's identity and sense of belonging. However, no one shall be denied the right to change his nationality if he wishes. Unfortunately, some countries deny this right to its nationals. Cuba is an example of it. If a Cuban citizen decides to stay in another country, he could be disqualified as such depending on the circumstances in which he went to this country. ML

Anonymous said...

Every country has its people and those people should be proud of where they come from. We all deserve a nationality to show where our roots come from where our family history lies. This is where we started our lives. I agree with the right to nationality! Cd884

Anonymous said...

I agree with Chuck F.

I see Nationality as a way to brand people. I see it as a problem. It differentiates people and causes issues between those that differ with the views. I mean, do I really need to retain a legal document stating my citizenship as a necessary form for my existence on this Earth? I exist. In the U.S., when I'm abroad, wherever I decide to be, I exist, documents or not. Cbereng

Anonymous said...

Where we came from lives through us. We represent our nations through nationality. Everyone should be proud of where they came from and have the right to show it without restrictions. It is what makes Miami the melting pot it is today.
SG

Anonymous said...

Nationality is a part of everyone. I remember when I was in school, one of the first questions to come up when I would meet a new student was "where are you from?", it's important to know because it gives us a piece of history, a piece of background from each person. Our nationality is part of our roots, it a part of who we are and a part of what shapes us. Nationality can be seen as a small detail to many, but to me it is a very important fact of each individual, and I believe that taking a persons nationality or shaming them for it, is like taking freedom away.

-DBM

Anonymous said...

I believe nationality only serves to further divide us. What does it matter what your forefathers father did a hundred years ago? They are not you and you are not them. It only serves to confuse you of your real self.
"No one really needs to care about their origins. You live only your own life, after all."

R.A.T. Jr

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right to nationality. Nationality is the status of belonging to a particular nation, whether by birth or naturalization. The United State is a melting pot we all come from different parts of the world bringing with us our cultural,belief,foods,traditions.We are born into it and carry it always regardless of where we end up. I think is important to know from where we come because as generation pass we start to forget our history and our roots.Each nation is unique and this uniqueness is what makes the world diverse.
Y.A

Anonymous said...

I believe nationality is important, because it pretty much reflects our culture and beliefs, but I also think nationality somehow limits us from expanding ourselves just because we were born in a certain place. Citizenship should never be taken away from anybody. Our roots are located where we were born and raised. ME

Anonymous said...

Nationality is a right that must be protected.Your heritage and roots are bounded to your nationality, therefore, taking someone's nationality away is like taking away their heritage and roots.
S.A.

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality is necessary everyone has their own culture, country, background and history. It is something everyone should be proud of and be able to represent, although it should not segregate anyone. CP

Anonymous said...

Taking away a person's nationality is like taking away a person's personality. Take it away and make them something else will just leave you with a false perception of who the person really is.-NR

Anonymous said...

The right to have a legal document of your citizenship is very important. Proof of citizenship is a requirement for so many things that it's necessary to function at all. So this right is perfect in the sense that it states a part of human life so important that the obstruction of it should be illegal outright.

--DenisA

Anonymous said...

I believe each person’s nationality is who and what they are as individuals. We at birth are given a heritage that is our given right. It is each individual person’s responsibility to carry that on. I do not believe the government has a reason to be involved in this right because it is or responsibility by our birth to uphold our national heritage. I agree with the Right to Nationality. DH63

Anonymous said...

I support the Right to Nationality whether by birth or naturalization. It is an important part of who we are, providing us with a sense of belonging and purpose. No individual or governing entity should ever have the right to strip a person of his or her legal identity without due cause and process of law, yet atrocities against mankind and human rights violation is ongoing to this date. It did not end with the Nazi regime. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is an impressive document. If only it were adopted and enforced worldwide. vmr

Anonymous said...

Everyone should have The Right to Nationality.We should all the right to express and show our nationality proudly.We should not feel like we should have to hide or deny our nationality.JP

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality is a certainly a must. However, the problem usually arises when one wants to change their current nationality and don’t know how to go about it the right way. This leads to a lot of common problems in the United States and other countries. With all the different nationalities, what distinguishes them more then the physical location is the different cultures that have been developed. Many times the culture is affected by the geographical location.
AAA

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality is a bit confusing. Why is a document necessary for existence? We all have a document that tells us where we were born; it’s called a birth certificate. A passport does not represent nationality, it represents citizenship. Nationality and citizenship are not equal. Nationality is our culture. It’s what our parents teach us about our ancestors. It is our heritage, our way of thinking, our pride in our country. Citizenship is just a legal right. It is merely a document that tells us we legally belong to a particular country. YYD

Anonymous said...

The right to nationality is a neccesary right to define us as individuals of a certain group. Without this kind of identification people would feel lost...mlv...

Anonymous said...

I agree that all human beings have the right to nationality. It is not acceptable for someone to try to take that away from you. Without it, you lose a piece of your very being. You do not know who you are until you know where you come from. Having a nationality gives you a sense of self and helps you grow as a person. Being a teenager, I know that I still have a long way to go before I can honestly say that I am a mature full grown woman. However, having the sense of nationality lets me know where to start.
M.D.L.

Anonymous said...

I support the right to nationality.Everyone has the right to know and understand their cultute and traditions. That is what makes us diferent and unique.
*NG*

TrustMeImADoctor said...

Everyone has the right to nationality or the right to have an understanding of where you come from and how you live life. However, I think every person on the face of Earth is unique, I believe that we should treat our selves equally without the discriminating views that are often practiced in every nation.

Anonymous said...

I agree with this right. You take a person's nationality away from them then you should also change their name or birth date. It's a part of who you are.-NR

muaath alheji said...

As humans, each one of us should have a nationality, for it represents our cultural identities and our existence on this Earth. However, it should not be the case that this same nationality would result in its holder to be treated differently or disrespectfully.
M.A. ( Muaath Alheji )

Anonymous said...

My nationality and my background cannot be taken away from me. If the government decides to take away our passports and our birth certificates we are still going to be who we are, yes we won't have a document to show for, but a paper doesn't make us who we are. Our families and their traditions, their culture and their believes is what makes us who we are and gives us our nationality, not some paper. I think that this right is actually meant for those of us who moved from our native country to another seeking a better life and future for ourselves and families. CMP