Midterm #1 Flashcards
When was the UDHR adopted by the UN General Assembly?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.
What is the historical context of the UDHR?
The historical context of the UDHR is closely tied to the aftermath of World War II. The horrors of the war, including widespread atrocities and genocide, prompted the international community to establish a framework for protecting and promoting human rights. The drafting of the UDHR was influenced by the desire to prevent future atrocities and create a global commitment to fundamental human rights.
What is the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Universal Declaration of Human Rights lies in its role as a foundational document for the protection of human rights on a global scale. It proclaims a common standard of rights for all people and emphasizes the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals. The UDHR serves as a moral and legal compass for governments, organizations, and individuals committed to upholding human rights.
How has the UDHR influenced human rights around the world?
The UDHR has had a profound impact on the development of human rights worldwide. It has inspired numerous international and regional human rights treaties and conventions. Many countries have incorporated its principles into their national laws and constitutions. The UDHR has also served as a reference point for advocacy and activism, influencing social movements and campaigns for justice and equality. Despite ongoing challenges and violations, the UDHR remains a crucial document in shaping the global discourse on human rights.
Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) binding law?
The UDHR itself is not a legally binding treaty, but it has served as the foundation for the development of international human rights law.
What are the two UN international human rights treaty laws that emerged after the UDHR in 1966?**
The two international human rights treaties that emerged after the UDHR in 1966 are the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
In what international covenant do you find the right to health articulated?
The right to health is articulated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Name two other economic and social rights related to the right to health?
Two other economic and social rights related to the right to health include the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to work.
What is progressive realization of rights, and what rights are progressively realized?
Progressive realization is a concept in international human rights law that acknowledges that some rights may be implemented gradually over time, depending on a country’s economic development. Economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to education, right to health, and right to adequate housing, are often subject to progressive realization.
What is ratification of a treaty?
Ratification is the formal approval, acceptance, or endorsement of a treaty by a country, signifying its intention to be bound by the treaty’s provisions. It is a crucial step in the process of becoming a party to an international treaty.
Why was the UN ESCR Committee Comment 14 created?
UN ESCR Committee Comment 14 was created to clarify the obligations of states under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights regarding the right to health, particularly in the context of Article 12.
What is the general content of Comment 14?
Comment 14 provides guidance on various aspects of the right to health, including the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the right, the role of non-discrimination, and the importance of accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
What are the 4 elements of the right to health?
The four elements of the right to health, as outlined in Comment 14, are availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality.
What are the overlapping dimensions of accessibility?
The overlapping dimensions of accessibility, as related to the right to health, include non-discrimination, physical accessibility, economic accessibility, and information accessibility.
Who (what individuals or entities) planned and executed the World Trade Center attack?
The World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001, was carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda. The planning and execution were orchestrated by the group’s leader, Osama bin Laden, along with other key operatives.
What individuals or populations were harmed during the attack, and what was the nature of the harm?
deaths of nearly 3,000 people and injured over 6,000 others. The victims included individuals from various nationalities and walks of life who were present in the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and the four hijacked airplanes. The nature of the harm ranged from immediate casualties due to the impact and subsequent collapse of the buildings to long-term health issues for first responders and survivors exposed to toxic dust.
Did the attack qualify as an act of war?
The September 11 attacks were not a traditional act of war between states. Instead, they were considered acts of terrorism carried out by a non-state actor, al-Qaeda, against civilian targets. The U.S. government characterized the attacks as acts of terrorism and subsequently initiated a global campaign against terrorism.
Who, or what entity, will determine the consequences to the attackers?
In response to the 9/11 attacks, the United States, along with its allies, initiated the War on Terror. The consequences to the attackers were determined through military operations, intelligence efforts, and diplomatic measures aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and preventing further acts of terrorism. Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks, was eventually located and killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan in 2011. The broader consequences involved a reevaluation of international security, changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policies, and a renewed emphasis on counterterrorism efforts globally.
According to the IPCC Summary for Policymakers, has climate been definitively proven to be altered by human activity, or is this just speculation?
According to the IPCC Summary for Policymakers, climate change has been definitively proven to be altered by human activity. The report emphasizes that it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land.
During what historical era may climate change have begun (approximately)?
The IPCC report does not attribute a specific historical era to the beginning of climate change. However, it notes that human influence on the climate system is clear, with widespread and rapid changes observed since the mid-20th century.
Has change in climate affected global temperature, global precipitation, the size of glaciers, or all of the above?
The change in climate has affected all of the mentioned aspects. According to the IPCC report, there is high confidence that global surface temperature has increased, and there have been widespread changes in precipitation patterns. Additionally, the report highlights that glaciers around the world have been decreasing in size, contributing to sea-level rise. The observed changes in global temperature, precipitation, and glacier size are consistent with human influence on the climate system.
Why is it stated that civil rights and their enforcement are social determinants of health?
Civil rights and their enforcement are considered social determinants of health because they significantly impact the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Discrimination, lack of civil rights, and unequal enforcement can lead to social and economic disparities, which, in turn, influence health outcomes. The denial of civil rights can result in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and healthcare, contributing to health inequities.
What is the relationship between the 1964 Civil Rights Act and infant mortality in non-white and white infants?
The 1964 Civil Rights Act aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Studies have shown that improvements in civil rights, as exemplified by the Act, are associated with a reduction in infant mortality rates, particularly for non-white infants. The legislation contributed to dismantling systemic barriers and promoting more equitable access to healthcare and resources, positively impacting health outcomes.
Is civil rights enforcement a public health issue? Why or why not?
Yes, civil rights enforcement is considered a public health issue. Ensuring equal rights and protections for all individuals is fundamental to creating conditions that support good health. Civil rights enforcement addresses systemic factors that contribute to health disparities, promoting fairness and equity in access to resources, opportunities, and healthcare. A lack of civil rights enforcement can perpetuate social and economic inequalities that adversely affect public health.
What is the relationship between U.S. Supreme Court decisions, school desegregation, high school graduation, and health in the U.S.?
U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to school desegregation, such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), aimed to end racial segregation in public schools. Research indicates that school desegregation is linked to improved educational opportunities, leading to higher high school graduation rates. Higher educational attainment is associated with better health outcomes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of civil rights, education, and public health.
- What are some disparities we see evident in the U.S. mass incarceration system?
Disparities in the U.S. mass incarceration system include racial and ethnic disparities, with a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic individuals being incarcerated. There are also disparities related to socio-economic status, as individuals from lower-income communities are often more affected.
How does discrimination in labor and housing affect population health?
Discrimination in labor and housing can have profound effects on population health. Employment discrimination may limit access to stable employment, adequate income, and benefits, impacting overall well-being. Housing discrimination can lead to residential segregation, inadequate living conditions, and limited access to essential services, influencing health outcomes. Both forms of discrimination contribute to social and economic inequalities that shape population health.
What are some ways mass incarceration was shaped by systemic racism and historically how the system came to be?
Mass incarceration in the U.S. has been shaped by systemic racism through policies like the War on Drugs, which disproportionately targeted minority communities. Historical factors, such as the legacy of slavery and discriminatory practices, have contributed to the over-policing and over-incarceration of Black and Brown individuals.
What are some health effects of mass incarceration, both in the immediate and long-term effects?
The health effects of mass incarceration include immediate risks within the prison environment, such as exposure to violence and inadequate healthcare. Long-term effects involve the impact on mental health, the disruption of family and community structures, and challenges in accessing healthcare and social support post-release.
Why are police killings a public health and civil rights issue? What is the evidence?
Police killings are a public health and civil rights issue because they have profound implications for both individual and community well-being. The evidence suggests that exposure to fatal police shootings can have severe mental health consequences for witnesses, family members, and communities at large. Additionally, police violence is linked to broader issues of systemic racism and the disproportionate targeting of minority populations, raising significant civil rights concerns.
What population groups are more likely to be killed by police shootings?
Statistical evidence indicates that Black Americans, Indigenous people, and people of color, in general, are disproportionately more likely to be killed by police shootings. Systemic racism and biases within law enforcement contribute to these disparities, leading to a higher risk for certain demographic groups.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted police shootings?
The relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and police shootings is complex. Some argue that the pandemic, with its economic and social stressors, may have exacerbated tensions and contributed to an increase in police violence. Others suggest that the pandemic has drawn more attention to issues of police brutality, making instances of violence more visible and sparking increased public awareness and activism.
