The importance of human rights Flashcards
What is the UDHR?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document consisting of 30 universal rights to which every human is entitled. It was signed in 1948 - following the Second World War and was adopted by the General Assembly with 48 in favour, and 8 abstaining (including the USSR, its 4 satellites, Yugoslavia South Africa and Saudia Arabia). It is not legally binding.
Why didn’t South Africa and Saudi Arabia sign the UDHR?
South Africa - At the time of the UDHR’s inception South Africa had an apartheid where the white minority ruled over the black majority and other ethnic groups. The UDHR would contradict the apartheid through Article 1, (all humans are born free and equal) article 2 (all humans have a right to be free of discrimination), Article 9 (no unfair detainment) and Article 19 (the right to freedom of expression)
South Africa - the UDHR contradicts Sharia Law
What is the ECHR?
The European Convention on Human Rights was formed in 1950 by the Council of Europe consisting of 14 articles to protect human rights. It is legally binding for all members. Violations of the convention come before the European Court of Human Rights. it was integrated into British law under the Human Rights Act of 1998
Why is the ECHR controversial?
Some countries believe it interferes with national sovereignty. This led the British Conservative Party to pledge to abolish the Human Rights Act and replace it with the Bill of Rights in 2022. It means the UK is no longer legally bound by the ECHR and some believe it will see human rights worsen in the country as it makes it harder for abuses of human rights to be challenged. Others argue that it helps prevent “trivial” human rights violations from wasting money and the judge’s time.
What are the Geneva Conventions?
The Geneva Conventions are a set of rules of war to protect civilians, POWs, combatants, medical workers and the injured during times of conflict. This is done by outlining war crimes which are defined as willful acts which cause unnecessary suffering and aren’t justified such as military necessity. This can include torturing POWs, disrupting supply chains, bombing civilian targets nd preventing medical workers (such as those of the Red Cross) from tending to the wounded.
Why are War Crimes rarely prosecuted?
-Discrepancy over who should be prosecuted - political leader, military leader or soldiers themselves?
- Hypocrisy - many countries including the most developed nations which currently have high human rights standards have committed war crimes. It would be hypocritical for them to [prosecute others.
- Witnesses of war crimes may be threatened or killed to prevent them from spreading awareness of the war crimes.
