ALWAGHT- UNESCO’s General Conference has formally acknowledged the Cyrus Cylinder — often regarded as the earliest charter of human rights — as a universal symbol of freedom, justice, and cultural diversity.
UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, unanimously adopted a resolution on November 6, 2025, recognizing the Cyrus Cylinder as a foundational document in global human civilization. The proposal was jointly introduced by Iran, Tajikistan, and Iraq.
The resolution describes the Cyrus Cylinder as the earliest written expression of freedom, justice, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity. Under this measure, UNESCO will promote the artifact’s values across its educational, cultural, and human rights initiatives, with broad support from member states across multiple regions.
Housed in the British Museum, the 6th-century BCE clay tablet chronicles Cyrus the Great’s conquest of Babylon and his policies of religious tolerance and restoration of sanctuaries. Scholars have long regarded it as a pioneering statement on human dignity and fair governance.
Iranian Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri praised the decision as a reminder of Iran’s historical advocacy for justice, dialogue, and coexistence. He highlighted the recognition as a significant cultural milestone, adding to past UNESCO commemorations of influential Iranian thinkers and heritage.
