Variation in human rights between countries Flashcards
Why are there variations in human rights between countries?
Different countries may have different political systems and agendas. (e.g some countries may operate on a democratic system whilst others are authoritarian) . Countries may also have different focuses. For example, human rights can bring financial costs (such as through providing healthcare, education and safe working conditions and fair pay). Some countries may prioritise economic development over the protection of human rights.
China’s human rights violations
-Labour Camps for re-education
-Suppression of the internet and media freedom - websites blocked and journalists often imprisoned -limits the Chinese population’s access to information
- Unfair trials
- Trade unions are banned and workers aren’t allowed to protest
- 46 criminal offences eligible for the death penalty
Chinese Crimes against humanity in the Xinjiang province:
UN reports of Chinese abuse of Uyghur Muslims with evidence of the use of torture. It is believed that over 1 million Uyghurs are forcibly detained in “re-education” camps where they are subject to rape, torture and forced sterilisation. China have argued that such camps are tools to fight terrorism.
India’s human rights violations
- Caste-based (hierarchy) social system where people of lower social status are viewed as sub-human (as are tribal communities)
- Violence against racial minorities (particularly Muslims)
- Sexual abuses of women and children
- Censorship (in March 2023 Indian authorities imposed a blanket internet shutdown over Punjab - causing 27 million to lose access to the internet)
- Raids against organisations defending human rights and journalists
- In December 2022 a law passed to increase the possible punishment for sedition to a life sentence
What is corruption?
The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. This can be done through rigging elections, making decisions to benefit those funding the politicians, allowing private interests to dictate government policies and diverting resources and foreign aid into the pockets of politicians.
How does corruption impact human rights?
Corruption is measured using the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) which uses a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (corruption). the highest ranking nation is Denmark at 90 and the lowest is Somalia at 11. The Global average is 43.
Corrupt governments may unfairly arrest and detain people without trial to remove potential threats to the political system. This violates the right to a free and fair trial and the right to no unlawful detainment.
Corrupt governments may also fail to deliver healthcare and education services. This leads to discrimination where the economically disadvantaged are worst affected as they can’t afford bribes.
