It identifies the key basic rights of the individual which need to be defended. It gives expression to some fundamental rules for humanity in an area which touches closely the human future. It gives guidance to national bioethics committees and it encourages them to take action, finding basic unity around common, practical themes. The machinery of implementation and the detailed national expression of laws and practices will vary greatly from one country to another. However, at least a framework to ensure consistent and compatible national initiatives has been offered.
Much work lies ahead in follow-up and implementation.
Fifty years ago, no one was sure where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would lead. The challenges to, and divisions of, humanity were enormous. Now there is a second Universal Declaration. We who serve on the IBC may be proud of its achievement. We should, I believe, rededicate ourselves to the great privilege which our appointment has afforded to us.