AOS 3 BABYYYYYYY WOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Flashcards
Saudi Arabia
UNCRC - 1989 - 42 articles
Saudi Arabia, ratified in 1996. Follows cultural relativism with Islamic Law, no minimum age for marriage. Saudi Arabia Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al defended the practice in 2014, calling it “incorrect to say its not permitted to marry of girls who are 15 and younger”
India
In 2017, the Supreme Court of India made a landmark ruling “Indepdendant Thought v Union of India”, called sexual intercourse between couples between 15 and 18 rape. The petitioners argued that this exception was a violation of the UNCRC, which India had ratified in 1992. Article 34 of the UNCRC requires States Parties to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. This was cosmopolitan because it was done even though there is a massive market for child labour in India.
China
China challenges the universality of human rights through its realist response. China’s realist approach to human rights was evident in their COVID-19 lockdowns, which impinged on citizens’ freedoms in an attempt to control the virus. Human Rights Watch called it a “full display of authoritarianism”. In Xinjiang, authorities “failed to ensure appropriate access to medical care, food and other necessities”. This situation violates Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which outlines the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose one’s residence. The severe restrictions on movement during lockdowns, particularly in Xinjiang, arguably contravened this fundamental right as recognized in international law. This matches their philosophy of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” which emphasizes collective welfare over individual rights.
Egypt
CEDAW - 1979
Article 2, abolish existing laws which constitute discrimination against women
- Although Egypt ratified CEDAW in 1981, According to Egypt United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as of 2021, around 86% of married Egyptian women between 15-49 have gone through FGM. Culturally, FGM goes back in Egypt goes back to 5th Century BC
Japan
Japan loves economic migrants. Their Specified Skilled Worker visa launched in 2019 aims to bring up to 345,000 foreign workers over five years to fill gaps in industries. However, Japans acceptance rate for refugees remains one of the lowest among developed countries. Only 47 out of 10,375 applications in 2021 were selected.
Germany
Germany’s response during the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis in which refugees attempted to move into Northern Europe demonstrates the Convention’s potential effectiveness when a state embraces its principles. Germany welcomed over a million refugees, adhering closely to Articles 3 and 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Article 3 advocates for non-discrimination, while Article 33 emphasises the principle of non-refoulement. Chancellor Angela Merkel underscored this commitment by stating, “If Europe fails on the question of refugees, then it won’t be the Europe we wished for.” This response showcases how, under conditions of strong political will and societal support, the principles of the Refugee Convention can be effectively realised. German intitiue of economic research discovered that this increased Germanys GDP by 1% every year.
Australia
Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders (2013): Turns back boats, uses offshore processing, refuses resettlement for boat arrivals PM Tony Abbott: “We are in a fierce contest with these people smugglers.” Reflects realist approach prioritizing national security over humanitarian concerns. Criticized by UNHCR as contrary to Refugee Convention spirit
