"In an era characterised by massive economic growth and spectacular advances in science and technology the state of health in many parts of the world is deteriorating. Sadly in an era characterised by massive economic growth and spectacular advances in science and technology there are many countries, in Africa and elsewhere, in which infectious diseases and deplorable poverty are rampant. Seeking to understand why this is the case and what should be done are some of the most pressing moral and human rights challenges facing the world today. We should begin by acknowledging that these features reflect profound dysfunction of the world as a complex system. Only then can effective remedies be formulated and implemented." 

Solomon Benatar, M.D.  University of Cape Town, South Africa Board of Advisors, Global Lawyers & Physicians.

The promise of universal human rights is more often aspirational and inspirational than operational. Universal success of the movement requires a commitment on the part of each nation to move beyond self-interest and sovereignty as well as an effort to reach beyond elite, academic circles to involve all people in the solution. Barriers to reaching this goal must be addressed, including the failure of powerful nations to acknowledge and document human rights violations within their borders, insincerity in the application of recognized standards in their relationships with foreign powers, and complacency with the notion of human rights as a purely Western endeavor. Critical to this mission is the understanding that rights are ineffective if the correlative duties are not carried out. The events of September 11th exponentially increased the United States' motivation to fight terrorism and deter future attacks. Although poverty does not directly cause terrorism, improving the living conditions of those worst off in the world is likely to prevent the growth of terrorist organizations. We should recognize the global advantages as well as the moral imperative of preventing starvation and alleviating preventable suffering. Debt relief and modest increments in economic assistance could establish effective international public health programs and provide access to clean drinking water, adequate nutrition, basic education, health care, and essential drugs. The establishment of a Global AIDS, Malaria and TB Fund is one step towards this goal. Full support from the United States, financially and conceptually, would demonstrate what can be accomplished with the wealth of powerful nations and a statement of our commitment to helping other nations.

It is imperative that wealthy nations both recognize an obligation to commit resources to less fortunate nations, and recognize the impact of setting a moral example.