Case Studies for Unit 2

Question 1

BLM movement, US

Answer 1

• systemic violation of HR
• justice
• rule of law
• state: main violator and essential protector

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, founded in 2013 following the verdict in George Zimmerman’s trial for the killing of Trayvon Martin, advocates against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. Centered on the human rights principles of equality, justice, and the right to life, BLM highlights racial disparities in policing, healthcare, and housing. Through protests, policy advocacy, and global solidarity campaigns, the movement calls for accountability and structural reform to dismantle institutional racism, making it a key example of grassroots activism advancing human rights in the modern era.

Question 2

LGBTQ+ rights, Uganda

Answer 2

• cultural relativism vs. universalism
• equality
• role of IGOs and NGOs

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda faces significant challenges, as the country enforces some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws globally, including criminalization and societal discrimination. Activists advocate for the basic human rights of equality, dignity, and freedom from persecution, often working under threat of violence and legal repercussions. Despite these obstacles, local and international organizations raise awareness, provide support to LGBTQ+ individuals, and push for the repeal of oppressive laws. This struggle exemplifies the intersection of human rights and grassroots resistance against systemic inequality and state-sponsored discrimination.

• Anti Homosexuality Act in 2013, incraeasing prison sentences for same sex conduct and criminalising the ‘promotion of heterosexuality’.
• deemed unconstitutional by Ugandas Supreme Court in 2015
• Court challenged the procedures behind the parliamentary vote, rather than the content of the law
• government responded by proposing new legislation

Question 3

Migrant workers, Qatar

Answer 3

• workers rights
• systemic violations
• international pressure

Migrant workers in Qatar, primarily from South Asia and Africa, face widespread human rights abuses, including exploitative labor practices, poor living conditions, and restrictions under the kafala system, which ties workers to their employers. Despite recent reforms prompted by global scrutiny during Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, issues such as wage theft, limited mobility, and inadequate enforcement of labor protections persist. Advocacy groups and international organizations continue to push for stronger rights protections, fair treatment, and accountability, making this a critical case in the global fight for migrant labor rights and social justice.

Question 4

Child labour (fashion), India

Answer 4

• childrens rights
• positive rights: right to education
• negative rights: freedom from slavery and exploitation

Child labor in India’s fashion and textile industry remains a significant human rights issue, with children working in hazardous conditions for minimal pay, often to support their families. Many are involved in cotton farming, embroidery, and garment production, where they face exploitation, lack of education, and health risks. Despite laws prohibiting child labor, enforcement remains weak due to poverty and systemic corruption. Advocacy groups and global campaigns urge for ethical practices, transparency in supply chains, and stricter enforcement of labor laws, highlighting the need for corporate accountability and sustainable economic solutions to end child labor.