Human Rights and Democratic Freedoms Flashcards
Define authoritarian
a political system that concentrates power in the hands of a single leader or a small group of elites. It is not constitutionally responsible to its people
Define democratic
a system of government where people have the power.
An example of an authoritarian government
China
An example of a democratic government
India
Which country is the worlds largest democracy?
India
What is the political system of China?
Authoritarian, since 1949 it has been a single party state
What type of democracy does China have?
Intra party democracy, where candidates come solely from the Communist Party
What does human rights watch claim that China does?
Curtail a wide range of human rights, including freedom of expression, association, assembly and religion
What do Senior Chinese leaders reject?
The universality of human rights
Why does China not recognize the universality of human rights?
The party regards them as western ideas which are a threat to their power
What does the Indian constitution ensure, among other things?
Freedom of speech and religion
What system of government does India have?
A democratic federal system
What does India have which ensures a functioning democracy?
A vigorous media and independent judiciary
What do some newly democratized countries prioritize over human rights?
National security, energy security, economic development and trade and financial flows
An example of an international organisation which does and does not prioritize human rights
The African Union, which may intervene in cases of human rights violations and ASEAN, which prioritizes economic development
Which international body assesses human rights issues?
The UN’S Universal Periodic Review
What has globalization meant for global human rights?
Abuses are not as easy for democratic nations to ignore
What has the USA and the UN done in Yemen with regards to human rights?
Ensured the Council adopt a resolution to gather evidence of human rights violations
What did the USA do with regards to human rights in Syria?
Sponsored a UN resolution to focus on serious Syrian human rights abuses
How has Singapore used economic development to justify its human rights decisions?
Government and supporters defend position by saying that Singapore is a conservative society that is intent on preserving the status quo based on order and stability
