Affirm the Charter for Compassion
Your signature is a meaningful commitment to the values and vision of this historic document (see text below). Affirming the Charter is completely free, and we warmly invite you to take part in our global movement in whatever way feels right for you.
The Charter for Compassion was crafted in 2009 as a declaration of the universal principle of compassion and a call to action for justice, equity, and respect. It stands as a historical document that has inspired individuals, communities, and institutions worldwide to cultivate compassion in all aspects of life.
At the time of its writing, the Charter used language that reflected the conventions of that era. However, compassion calls us not only to honor our past commitments but to grow in our understanding and practice of inclusivity. We recognize that language shapes belonging, and we acknowledge that some of the wording in the original text does not fully reflect the diversity of human identities and experiences.
In the spirit of ongoing reflection and action, we reaffirm that the Charter’s call to “treat everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity, and respect” includes all people—regardless of gender identity, expression, or cultural background. We acknowledge and affirm the presence and dignity of transgender, Two-Spirit, intersex, gender-nonconforming, and non-binary individuals, as well as those from cultural traditions that recognize identities beyond binary categories.
Furthermore, we recognize that the original text did not explicitly address a fundamental truth: compassion extends beyond human relationships. True compassion requires deep respect for all living beings and the stewardship of our shared planet. We affirm that our commitment to compassion must include the ethical treatment of animals and the urgent responsibility to care for Mother Earth. Our survival and well-being are interconnected with the natural world, and we must act to protect and restore the ecosystems that sustain us all.
You can affirm the Charter, volunteer, participate in events, start or join a compassionate community initiative, and/or offer financial support—every action makes a difference!
We also encourage you to share our mission and invite your family and friends to join. Together, we can build a more compassionate world!
This is the Text of the Original Charter for Compassion:
The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.
We therefore call upon all men and women to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.
We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.
Download a PDF copy of the Charter for Compassion
Invitation to Co-Create the Charter for Compassion 2.0
Join Us in Reimagining the Charter for Compassion
In 2009, the Charter for Compassion was unveiled at the United Nations as a global call to restore compassion to the center of our lives, communities, and institutions. Since then, it has inspired individuals, cities, and organizations worldwide to commit to a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
However, as the world evolves, so must our shared vision. Language shapes belonging, and compassion demands that we listen, learn, and grow. We recognize the need to ensure that the Charter reflects the lived experiences of all people, explicitly affirms marginalized communities, and acknowledges our deep responsibility to all living beings and to the Earth itself.
As we approach the 16th anniversary of the Charter’s launch, we invite you to help us create the Charter for Compassion 2.0—a renewed, inclusive, and forward-looking document that honors the original vision while expanding its reach and impact.
We want to hear from you. What does a compassionate world look like to you? What values, commitments, and language must be included to ensure that the Charter fully embodies justice, equity, and our shared humanity?
Send your ideas and contributions by email!
Our goal is to unveil the new version of the Charter on November 12, 2025, commemorating its original launch at the United Nations in 2009.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to co-create a vision of compassion that speaks to today’s world and generations to come. Join us in shaping the future of compassion—your voice matters.
With gratitude,
The Charter for Compassion Team
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