1.a. There is global variation in human rights norms Flashcards
What are human rights
- these are the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled
- they are applicable at all times, in all places, and protect everyone equally withuot discrimination
What is the Universal Decleration of Human Rights
- this was established by the UN general assembly in 1948
- there are 30 in total
- some include-all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, everyone has the right to a nationality, everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person
How have human rights been violated
-it is evident that ‘voilations’ of human rights have ocurred in a range of locations and a variety of scales-examples include child trafficking and modern slavery
How has globalisation impacted human rights
- globalisation has contradictory impacts -transnational integration and increased mobility have had the effect of simultaneously strengthening and diminishing the protection of human rights. However this has enhanced the ability of civil society to promote humnan rights. But it has enabled some organistaions to gain power and perpetarate violations
- geography patterns of socio-economic inequality-associated with inequalites of human rights
What are norms
These are the customary behaviour based on moral principles and ways of living inculculated into the culture of a country or area over a long period of time. They are the foundation of human rights. There are 30 statements in the UDHR which are accepted as human rights norms
How are human rights protected
They are protected by law and through the signing of international treaties or conventions e.g. the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. However governments that ratify/sign treaties have to put into practice domestic measures and legislation which are compatible with the treaty
What is meant by the term ‘signing a treaty’
This shows an intent by a state to comply with the agreement
What is meant by the term ‘ratifying a treaty’
Thus us when a state consents to be legally bound to that treaty and create legislation to enforce those laws
How do infant mortality rates vary globally
- countries such as Chad and the Ivory Coast have a high IMR. The UN suggests most of these deaths could be prevented and that these countries are not following their obligations
- 1st world countries generally have a lower IMR
- there is a strong negative correlation between child mortality rates and GDP per capita
Why is the right to life for infants not upheld in some parts of the world
- globalisation means there is transnational integration e.g. TNCs, labour, migration
- most infant deaths could be prevented. It is not holding the right of its most vulnerable people. Therefore infant mortality is a human rights concern
What is humanitarian intervention
This is action taken (by a third party country or multilateral agency like the UN) to end gross violation of fundamental human rights and protest people at risk from war, famine, genocide etc
Three ways of intervening
- military force (the UN Security Council is the only body that can legally authorise the use of force)
- UN peace keeping (passive approach aimed to calm situation)
- political intervention
What are the advantages of the military intervening
- effective at stopping the human rights violations and injustices
- allow for political stability
- allow communities to re-establish themselves
- enables the country to develop
- reduces the exodus of refugees as those in other countries can return reducing burden there
What are the disadvantages of the military intervening
- civilians get caught up in the fighting
- can create more refugees
- outcome not sustainable
- damage done to schools, buildings and infrasturcture
- can lead to further socio-econmic divide
- can trigger more human rights abuses
What are the different forms in which the UN have involved
- peacekeeping
- political and peace building missions
- the coordination of organisations active in an area
