People in Terra, governing a weird little country

What are human rights?

Many answers emerged in Hemer's mind.

The more official explanation of the term says: Human rights are rights that are inherent to all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, the right not to be enslaved or tortured, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone has the right to enjoy these rights without discrimination.

But this simple definition of the term is actually meaningless.

The Gallic Empire, which first proposed the "Declaration of the Rights of Man", has now turned into the dust of history, and this term has been locked in the filing cabinet of Gallic history research for quite a long time, together with those historical materials that can only molder with time, without being taken seriously or mentioned by anyone.

In fact, compared with "human rights", the "humanitarianism" proposed by Ernst in his speech a year ago is much more worthy of praise - not because humanitarianism is any progress compared to human rights, but because humanitarian guarantees are actually basic human rights themselves. It's just that it is mentioned more often and therefore known by more people.

What is not known is meaningless.

Just like the law, only when more people know where the red line of the law is, will there be fewer illegal behaviors. The vast majority of crimes are not caused by knowing the law, but by ignorance of the law. The same is true for human rights. Only when more people know about it and are willing to believe in it, can human rights itself go beyond books and words and have practical significance on this earth.

So, in response to Ernst's question, Hemer pondered for a long time and gave a simple answer:

“Human rights are justice.”

Ernst was slightly stunned.

Obviously, this answer was beyond his expectations.

He thought that Hemer would give him a standard answer like the one on Wikipedia, or explain the meaning of human rights using some practical things, such as having enough food, clothing, and survival.

But she chose to use one concept to explain another. And, it seemed to make sense.

“Justice is justice because it is a morality recognized by the public. Human rights are human rights because they are rights that are meant to apply to the vast majority of people.”

"It is a simple matter. As long as it meets the needs of the vast majority of people and is a right enjoyed by the vast majority of people, it will naturally be a moral principle recognized by the public and will naturally become a basic human right."

Hemer slowly explained his thoughts.

"Take eating as an example. Everyone on this earth needs to eat. Without eating, they cannot survive. Therefore, eating has become a right that most people should enjoy. The government, society, and the country should do their utmost to guarantee this right. Therefore, it has become a basic human right."

"Because human rights are constantly evolving, in the beginning, most people just wanted to avoid starvation, so not starving to death was the most basic human right. Then, as we developed, food and clothing became basic human rights. Then, perhaps one day, everyone will be able to live a life of luxury, and that will become a human right recognized by people of that era!"

As Hemer spoke, a hint of longing and yearning flashed in his eyes.

Obviously, the society she was talking about was out of reach. Not to mention that everyone could live a life of luxury, even the most basic human right of not starving to death was not guaranteed to countless people in this land.

But Ernst still felt power from Hemer's words.

She has indeed grown a lot. Her answer was completely beyond Ernst's expectations, and her understanding almost left Ernst speechless.

Yes, isn’t this the human rights that we are trying our best to protect?

For Ernst in his previous life, having enough food and clothing was the greatest human right. This "most basic human right" seemed pitifully small. Compared with the various other human rights that the lighthouse next door was clamoring for, this foundation seemed insignificant. But the country gave it a huge base.

Anything, multiplied by 1.4 billion, is enough to produce a shocking result.

Without a foundation, the tall buildings built on top will collapse anyway.

With some emotion triggered in his heart, Ernst also knew that he probably didn't need to repeat the speech he had prepared in advance.

Because Hemer has mentioned the two concepts of "the vast majority" and "the broadest", and mentioned the role that the state, society, and government play in human rights.

Where there is an overwhelming majority, there will be a very small minority; where there is the broadest, there will be the narrowest.

Ernst called Hemer here for two reasons, the first of which was to tell Hemer.

Abandoning illusions, the human rights we talk about are undoubtedly backed by power itself, and their weight is still measured by interests and guaranteed by strength. This also means that in the process of practice, it will definitely not be the concept of "including everyone" in the definition of the term, and there will inevitably be "trade-offs".

And Hemer already understood this truth.

This was not the first time that Ernst was surprised. There was no shortage of geniuses among Terra's humans. Geniuses like Nastie and Kristen had surprised Ernst countless times. The only thing worth being surprised about was that most of them were from Colombia.

That country is indeed full of talented people.

Ernst paused for a moment and nodded. Rarely did he add anything, but instead directly acknowledged someone's statement.

The deeper content involves philosophy, and Hemer's understanding of this is enough for her to hold this position.

Ernst only had to remind her one thing:

"Hemer, human rights are a sharp sword."

"I have been paying attention to the outstanding achievements made by the Science Frontiers Organization in Tremon City and throughout Colombia. Saria has praised me many times for your indelible contribution in this regard. So, when I decided to establish the Terra International Human Rights Council under the system of the Summit of Nations, you were the first person I thought of."

"I think you're qualified for this position, but I'm also a little worried."

Ernst pursed his lips and spoke in a heavy tone.

“I’m worried that when you actually lead the scientific frontier to become the Terra International Human Rights Council, you will find that this organization will become… less human rights-based.”

This is a problem that cannot be avoided in any way.

How big is the difference between the human rights issues of a mobile city and those of a country? How big is the gap between the human rights issues of a country and those of this land?

It is so big that no one can give a specific multiple. If we have to compare, we can only say: there is almost a world of difference!

Human rights issues have arisen in Tremont. Hemer took the companies on the scientific frontier to negotiate and protest to the Tremont District Government, organizing donations and marches. At most, he could take some measures and win over some other large companies to jointly exert pressure, and the problem could be easily resolved.

After all, in Tremont, Hemer has the support of the giant Rhine Life.

But what if there is a human rights issue in Colombia?

Hemer and her "Scientific Frontier" were doomed to be somewhat powerless at this moment. After all, they were not an official organization, and the influence of a non-governmental organization was already very limited, not to mention the social form of Terra, where each mobile city was almost equivalent to an isolated island kingdom.

At this time, the influence that "Science Frontier" composed of conscientious scientists, social activists, workers, and ordinary people can exert is minimal. The reason why Hemer was able to make a name for himself in Columbia with "Science Frontier" was because of the support of power, the support of Vice President Wilson, and the acquiescence of Mark Max.

But at this point, problems have already arisen.

Leaving aside Mark Max's special case, will Vice President Wilson give Hemer unlimited support?

The answer is of course no. Vice President Wilson will only support Hemer when it does not harm his own interests. If Hemer accuses Wilson of violating human rights tomorrow, he will change his mind faster than turning the pages of a book! Hemer and "Frontiers of Science", as an organization that relies on him to exert influence, are like eunuchs relying on the emperor. They have no means to counterattack and cannot do so.

If they want to take action, they will inevitably face a traditional political art: compromise.

Compromise and criticize "other people's human rights issues" that do not harm Wilson's interests.

Hemer and the others may not have encountered this situation yet, but it is only a matter of time.

This is also one of the reasons why Ernst wanted to get them out.

Colombia is indeed very vast, but for a bird like her, the World Summit would mean even more vast seas and skies!

Having said that, joining the World Summit and becoming a full member will indeed help them get rid of the constraints imposed by Colombia, but ultimately, the fundamental problem has not changed.

The only thing that is restraining them has changed from Colombia to the World Summit.

It is true that as an international system that brings together all the countries of Terra, the Summit of Nations is better than Colombia, which is destined to favor Colombia, in terms of basic fairness because of the checks and balances of interests among all parties. But this kind of freedom is also a kind of unfreedom.

for example.

She really didn't have to worry that the Terra International Human Rights Council would not dare to make decisions about Ursus just because it had an office in Ursus.

But she will face the situation that, in normal times, people don't care about this issue at all, but when it comes to arguing, she will be pushed out and start to be pulled, almost in a schizophrenic situation of blaming and praising at the same time.

To be more extreme, she would have to face the situation that in the future, a small Sargon chiefdom disobeyed the rule of the Sargon chief or Pasha, but he actually did a good job in ensuring people's food and clothing, and even did better than the inhuman chiefs. However, she would be forced to accuse them, wield the human rights stick, and become an accomplice in the collapse of this small chiefdom, causing all the people to be displaced and enslaved.

What's more, there is even a classic among classics, "Everyone is equal, but you are not a human being", which defines what a human being is.

"This is certainly the most extreme scenario, but it is a possible scenario."

"I don't want to deceive you with lies. In the process of building this system, at least I hope that we, the screws that build the machine of the World Summit system, can align the granularity with each other and ensure sincerity."

"So, I will try to tell you in advance what might happen, whether it's risks or unpleasant situations. I hope you can make your own decision."

Ernst said seriously:

"Ms. Hemer, you are about to join what may be the largest bureaucracy on this earth in the future. I don't want you to regret your choice today in the future."

Hemer was stunned.

She used to be a scientist, and had only been the chairman of Science Frontier for less than half a year. She had never thought about such a complex problem, nor had she ever anticipated such difficulties.

At the conference on the frontier of science, she felt proud when she praised the achievements of her colleagues. She felt that this matter was not that difficult, and their road could be said to be smooth sailing, with almost no obstacles.

But when Ernst analyzed all of this and laid it out before her, she realized what a precarious path she was walking on!

On this road, so-called human rights are an appendage of power and interests, weapons and clubs played by those in high positions, and “bullets” used to launch arguments and attacks. It can be anything, except for the content of its definition.

She could choose not to accept the position and return to Tremont, leading "Science Frontiers" to continue to dominate the city. This is certainly an easier path, and it may not be impossible to achieve results. Tremont is also a big city, providing human rights services to millions of people, improving the lives of millions of people, and building the most famous city of science, human rights, and civilization on this land. This is also a feat worthy of being recorded in history!

There is no distinction between high and low among people. Saving one person and saving the whole land are both heroic. Ernst would not blame Hemer from a high position just because Hemer chose to retreat at this time.

She was not a professional. It was she who finally saw an anthropomorphic creature who was interested in this... no, a person who was interested in this, so she found her and tried to pull her into this job of cleaning the cesspool. It was human nature for her not to want to get stained with shit.

After all, if she chose to accept it, then what she had just described was only what Ernst could think of. With the degree of anthropomorphism of this land, Ernst had no doubt that they could come up with some rotten things that Ernst had never seen in his two lives! By then, Hemer would probably be disgusted with him!

Ernst looked at Hemer who was lost in thought, and waited quietly for her answer.

The game on the field continued, and the struggle in Hemer's heart continued as well.

After a long time, when the tea on the table had become cold, Xinteleya, who was in charge of recording beside Ernst, began to lose focus, and Viviana, who was sitting on the sofa pretending to watch the game but actually eavesdropping, began to be absorbed in it. She finally spoke:

"Thank you for your candor, Mr. Ernst."

"I just have one question."

"What role will you play in the World Summit?"

This was the first time anyone had asked Ernst this question.

Most people would assume that Ernst would be active in the World Summit as Prime Minister Kjerag and continue to shine as the leader of a small country. But Hemer felt that Ernst, who had thought so much and almost analyzed the essence of the World Summit system to himself, would play a role that was definitely not as simple as an ordinary "one side".

To some extent, Hemer was right.

He built this system himself, how could he be just a "guest" in it?

"As the Secretary-General of the Summit, I will be responsible for coordinating the affairs of various countries and international events."

Hemer blinked. She didn't quite understand the meaning of the term "Secretary General". She just guessed and asked:

"So, you will be the leader of this organization? You will be my...boss?"

Ernst nodded: "You can think so for now."

Hemer gave a satisfied smile.

"That's no problem."

"It is my honor to work with you, Mr. Ernst. I trust you, you will wield my sword in the right place, right?"

right?

Why do you Terrans like to use these kind of somewhat stressful questions?

When Daphne asked me if I would teach her, she asked me, "Right?" When Vina asked me if I would protect her, she asked me, "Right?" Now you are asking me, "Right?"

This,,,,this is...right?

This feeling is like being pressed down on the back by a little rabbit with gravity of ten. No, my waist hurts. My kidneys hurt!

A drop of unwilling sweat slid down Ernst's forehead. He clenched his teeth and nodded:

"I, do the best I can."

Hemer then opened his arms:

"Then give me a hug. Celebrate our future and have fun working together!"

"Hug?" Xinteleya suddenly became alert and asked in surprise.

Miss Eagle Owl just nodded and hugged the defenseless Cheese Snow Leopard without saying anything.

“That’s the Colombian way of greeting.”

She said it with such certainty that Xinteleya couldn't tell the truth from the false for a moment. She could only stand there in a daze, thinking silently:

Is there such a way of greeting in Colombia? Why haven't I seen Holhaiya do this before?

Oh, no, it seems that she did use her tail to wrap around the boss several times, is that the case?

Damn it, why doesn't Casimir have this way of greeting? Otherwise, I can also...

It's all Casimir's fault!

Innocent Casimir didn't know what was going on. He just silently threw the cheering sound waves into the box's speakers, accompanied by the commentator's excited tone, and announced loudly:

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us congratulate the winner of this semi-final! His amazing rain of light finally hit the enemy at the critical moment. According to the referee's research and judgment, the final winner has been decided! He is——"

"Mr. Maenner!"

After being blasted into the wall by the hand cannon, Mainna, whose body was charred, looked at Dario, who was also lying on the other side of the arena and could no longer get up. A puff of black smoke choked out of his mouth and he slowly forced out a smile.

Won.