P.C. Chang, Multicultural Confucian Philosopher and Human Rights Champion

Abstract

This article presents some of the main contributions from the Chinese philosopher and diplomat P.C. Chang regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Chang was one of the key drafters and he influenced the document in crucial ways during the whole drafting process, such as its religious neutrality and its broad range of rights. He combined Western philosophy and Confucian ethics in his contributions. He became vice chair of the Human Rights Commission at the UN and worked closely with Eleanor Roosevelt, the chair of the commission. He emphasized the Eastern perspective and he was highly critical of the colonial legacy, especially from delegates such as the Frenchman René Cassin.