NON-DISCRIMINATION AND NON-STIGMATISATION AS GLOBAL BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES: INTRODUCING AN OVERDUE PROTESTANT DISCUSSION WITH UNESCO

Abstract

Until now there has been no official dialogue between UNESCO and the Protestant faith tradition regarding article 11 of the UDBHR; therefore, this article forms a first and preliminary introduction to the discussion. The purpose of this discussion is to formulate a theological ethical foundation for article 11 of the UDBHR. It is important from Protestant and UNESCO perspectives to formulate an ethical foundation. On the one hand, this conversation contributes to strengthening the credibility of the declaration, while on the other hand, it offers this instrument a necessary religious status. It is clear that article 11 of the UDBHR states that non-discrimination and non-stigmatisation are two principles that have been accepted by the world community and should to be promoted in the context of health. These two global bioethical principles are recognised and accepted by Protestant social ethics in the faith framework of the covenant and can, therefore, be promoted by the Protestant community in the context of health in South Africa and the world.