HR postcolonialism and cultural relativism

Question 1

critiques of Human Rights (postcolonialism)

Answer 1

-HR reflects values and interest of former colonial power used as tools of the western hegemony

-HR as cultural imperialism and represents Western normas imposed on non-Western societies

-origins HR interwined with colonial expansion : rights for citizens in western nations // practice of exploitation, oppression and denial of rights to colonized peoples

Question 2

critiques of HR (cultural relativism)

Answer 2

-universal HR standards as intrusion on cultural autonomy

-western liberal values non relevant to non western societies

-individual R emphasized by HR standards // collectivist or communal R importance in indigenous cultures

Question 3

JP critiques HR (cultural relativism)

Answer 3

Sami People Case in Norway (2001)
recognition of cultural practice : the right to engage in traditional reindeer herding
// norwegian gov restrictions
= opposition to the imposition of a one-size-fits-all HR approach

Question 4

2nd JP critiques HR (cultural relativism)

Answer 4

Kadi Case 2008
UN SC sanction : travel ban and asset freeze on individuals suspected of links to terrorism
=violation HR including religious freedom

Question 5

evolution and adaptation to critiques (postcolonialism and cultural relativism)

Answer 5

-regional HR systems
African Charte on Human and People Rights (focus on collective right “right to self determination” reflection of post colonialism concern)
Arab Charter on HR
=reflect local cultural values and norms

-International organizations promoting dialogues on HR that respects diverse cultural practices
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007