8.4

Question 1

Human Rights

Answer 1

moral principals that underlie standards of human behaviour

universal in the sense of being applicable to everywhere and they are
egalitarian in the sense of being the same for everyone

Question 2

UDHR

Answer 2

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Formed after WW2

Sets out 30 universal rights. Range from freedom of speech and movement to education and justice.

Question 3

Problem with UDHR

Answer 3

Declaration, not a treaty. Not legally binding however declaration defines to key terms ‘fundamental freedom’ and ‘human rights’ which are incorporated into UN charter which all 193 members are bound to recognise and respect

Question 4

ECHR

Answer 4

European Convention on Human Rights

Ratified in 1951

There are 59 articles and various protocols

Question 5

Problem with ECHR

Answer 5

Pressure groups and newspapers argue that the 1998 Human Rights Act is undemocratic and actually can threaten British sovereignty. Seen to threaten right of British Parliament to make their own laws. But British is bound by ECHR.

In 2016, following Brexit, government plan to scrap human rights act and replace it with ‘British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities’

Question 6

The Geneva Convention

Answer 6

International treaties that create rules for war situations, especially offering protection to civilians, medical workers, and prisoners.

Only applies during armed conflict.

Question 7

The Geneva Convention problem

Answer 7

US signed 1977 Protocols but Congress refused to ratify them. Questions raised about treatment of Taliban and
Al Qaeda prisoners of war held at Guantanamo Bay

Question 8

What international law and agreements influence human rights

Answer 8

UDHR

ECHR

Geneva Convention