Universal Declaration of Basic Income

PREAMBLE

Whereas:

• Recognition of the inherent dignity and equal rights of all human beings is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace;
• The full realization of human rights, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, requires guaranteed economic security as the foundation of a dignified life;
• Humanity has entered the Era of Surplus, where progress in automation and digitalization creates unprecedented abundance;
• Systems of resource distribution, inherited from the era of scarcity, create profound imbalances in the Era of Surplus, hindering the realization of human potential and sustainable development;
• The progress and abundance of the Era of Surplus are the common heritage of humanity; private business achieves unprecedented scale and capitalization by utilizing public infrastructure, scientific achievements, and human capital; its long-term success is inextricably linked to the stability, purchasing power, and well-being of the society it serves;
• In the 21st century, social responsibility and contribution to the common good become key elements of sustainable business and public reputation;
• In the conditions of the Era of Surplus, universal provision of personal economic security becomes realistically achievable;
• Global digital platforms unite billions of people and accumulate vast resources — this unique potential lays the technological foundation for worldwide economic security;

We proclaim this Universal Declaration of Basic Income as a common standard of achievement for all peoples, all states, and the responsible business community.

ARTICLE 1
Right to Economic Security

Every human being has the right to economic security, which provides the foundation for their freedom, dignity, and ability to participate in society.

ARTICLE 2
Right to Basic Income (BI)

In the Era of Surplus, economic security is ensured by a guaranteed Basic Income (BI). Every human being has the right to receive a BI.

ARTICLE 3
Unconditionality of BI

BI is provided to every person unconditionally, without means-testing, employment requirements, or any other preconditions.

ARTICLE 4
Sufficiency of BI

BI must be sufficient to ensure a person's subsistence at a level accepted by society as a dignified minimum, covering basic needs.

ARTICLE 5
Implementation of BI as a Shared Responsibility

a) Society as a whole is obligated to ensure the sustainable and fair financing of BI.

b) Innovative businesses deriving super-profits in the Era of Surplus acknowledge their leading role in supporting BI. A special role in implementing BI belongs to global digital platforms, which possess the reach and technological capabilities to provide payments to billions of people. They are called upon to use this potential and adapt their systems for efficient and accessible participation in the BI mechanism.

c) Financing of BI is carried out primarily through targeted contributions from businesses that benefit the most from the Era of Surplus, and through other mechanisms for distributing public income.

ARTICLE 6
Participation of States in Implementing BI

States are obligated to recognize the right to BI. They must take all necessary measures, including:

• Improving legislation and creating regulatory conditions, including adapting financial and technological norms to facilitate the sustainable administration and payment of BI;
• Removing political and legal barriers, including unjustified financial restrictions and sanctions that hinder the realization of citizens' right to BI;
• Establishing fair, legal, and transparent frameworks for the participation of all sectors of society, primarily business, in financing and providing infrastructure for BI, based on principles of mutual benefit and sustainability, in accordance with Article 5.

ARTICLE 7
Right to Realization and Cooperation

Every person has the right to expect their governments and the business community to realize the right to BI, and to use democratic institutions, dialogue, and constructive partnership to achieve this goal.

ARTICLE 8
Non-Discrimination

The right to BI belongs to everyone without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

ARTICLE 9
Protection from Misuse

The right to BI may not be used to diminish other human rights or to cancel or reduce existing social guarantees below the level provided by BI. It cannot be replaced by benefits-in-kind that limit a person's freedom of choice.

ARTICLE 10
International Cooperation

All states are obligated to cooperate, including through concluding international agreements and creating mechanisms for financing and technological compatibility, to achieve universal recognition and realization of the right to BI, especially to support countries facing economic difficulties. International sanctions must not impede the realization of the fundamental right of citizens to economic security through BI.

CONCLUSION

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein. The recognition of BI and cooperation in its implementation is a necessary step towards building a just, free, and prosperous world in the conditions of abundance of the Era of Surplus.