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Imposing Western Human Rights on Non-Western Cultures, 2002.
Addresses the question which asks if the imposition of Western human rights values on non-Western traditions constitute a form of imperialism?
4,650 words (approx. 18.6 pages), 14 sources, AU$ 272.95
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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to further explore the concept of human rights. A particular focus will be placed on the question of whether or not the imposition of western human rights values on non-western traditions constitutes a form of imperialism. At the root of the issue, it seems is the issue of what should weigh more, human rights or state sovereignty. In the end, of course, there is no definitive answer to this question. What it can, and will, do, however, is look at the dynamics of human rights in the international arena and comment on whether western rhetoric on human rights is in the sphere of imperialism, or neo-imperialism.
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Abortion Rights are Human Rights, 2005.
This paper discusses and argues that the rights to abortion are in themselves human rights.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
This is an opinion paper explaining why abortion is a human right and should be available to all women as long as the fetus is not an "actual life" but is still a "potential life." The writer argues that the mother's human rights would take precedence over the "potential life" of the fetus, and once the fetus has transitioned to "actual life" then the mother's rights would be seriously limited.
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Human rights vs. Human Nature, 2006.
A discussion regarding the justification of war and the issue of human rights versus human nature.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, AU$ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the question of justifying military intervention on the basis of protection of human rights, pointing out that such a question requires a prior assumption. The paper clarifies this assumption to be that countries are capable of benevolent, disinterested altruism. History refutes this assumption. The paper further discusses how individuals and groups within a country may very well have the best intentions to bring relief to the suffering citizens of a brutal dictatorship or civil war; but countless examples, from Vietnam, to Latin America, to Rwanda, to present day Iraq, show a road to hell paved with such good intentions. The political and military forces involved in such maneuvers, by their very nature, preclude truly altruistic actions.
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Human Rights as an Internal Affair, 2008.
This paper argues that human rights are not an internal state affair and rejects that attempting to impose universal human rights is simply Western cultural imperialism.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This essay argues that there are such things as universal human rights, and that when one state violates these, other states have a legitimate reason to raise appeal. The essay states that this can give rise to a tension between state autonomy and universal rights, however, it argues that this possibility must be endured, for the alternative is to allow people to be abused. Moreover, the paper asserts that there are practical steps that could be taken to encourage sovereign states to acknowledge universal human rights.
From the Paper
"The only difference between those who argued against suffrage in the West or against same-sex marriage in Canada, and those who today argue in favour of genital mutilation in Nigeria, is that the Western defenders of sexism and heterosexism claimed to speak for all of humanity, and for God, while the minorities claim only to speak for themselves, and sometimes for their own God - and of course, for "their women." The principle is the same - invoking culture, God, nature or tradition to justify oppression of women or other minorities, and in this way attempting to maintain the status quo. That argument was overcome in England and in Canada, and it should be overcome in non-Western nations too. Moreover, it is argued that if this poses some slight risk to the autonomy of some individual nations, then so be it. National autonomy should not extend to the point of giving ruling groups the right of torture, murder, mutilation or any other kind of violent abuse against individual human beings - not even if they are women or children!"
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Human Rights And Human Trafficking, 2006.
A discussion on human trafficking and the international response to the problem.
5,084 words (approx. 20.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 204.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how human trafficking has increasingly become a problem for many countries throughout the world, with people being taken from their families, homes and communities and ensnared in a life of servitude to others in a strange and foreign country. The paper focuses on the question of whether there is enough being done to combat the increasing problem of human trafficking. The paper examines the international community's response to the problem. The paper details various countries and communities and how they have been effected by human trafficking.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Overview Of Human Trafficking Throughout The World
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Bulgaria
The Netherlands
Pakistan
Russia
Uganda
Poland - The Press And The Perspective In Media
Mexico - 20,000 Child Victims
Mongolia - 200 Mongolian Children Exploited As Prostitutes
Other Countries
What Is Being Done To Combat This Problem?
Bibliography
From the Paper
"According to a separate report, "Migrant trafficking and smuggling has become a global business generating huge profits for traffickers and organized crime syndicates." (Counter-Trafficking, 2006) In fact in a study conducted by IOM reports "...an estimated 15 to 30 million irregular migrants worldwide." (Counter-Trafficking, 2006) Sadly a report of the U.S. Department of Justice states that an estimated "...700,000 women and children are trafficked yearly across borders." (Counter-Trafficking, 2006) The reason stated that so many of these migrants go unreported is due to the inherent "...clandestine nature..." involved in so many of the lives and migration of these individuals."
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Human Rights Law, 2003.
An analysis of the protections of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as they apply to human rights law in the United Kingdom.
3,065 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 143.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the history of the Council of Europe and The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, commonly known as the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights). The paper analyzes the history of human rights in the UK beginning with the Magna Carta of the 13th century, and continuing into the 20th century, when legislation was developed to coordinate British law with the original ECHR of 1949 and its subsequent charters and protocols expanding European protections of civil rights. The paper reviews various sections of the ECHR and compares them to English Common Law and provisions of the UK's Human Rights Act of 1998. The paper discusses the difference between non-derogable rights and derogated rights, citing several relevant sections of the ECHR. It also examines several points of the ECHR and considers their acceptability under UK law. In conclusion, the paper finds that the ECHR laws are quite complex and that new British legislation only furthers the dissonance with their applicability to the UK.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The Council for Europe had been originally established at the end of the Second World War and had an objective of the protection of Europe against totalitarianism and atrocities that were witnessed during the war. This council had the convention as a treaty within the actions it took. (European Convention on Human Rights) The United Kingdom was one of the founder members of this convention and also involved in the design of the law. It was also one of the first countries to approve the treaty. It has also appeals to be made to the European Commission for Human Rights since 1966. The influence of the Convention has been growing in the UK during the past ten years as the European Court of Human Rights are now taking quicker action about the appeals that are being made to it. (The European Convention on Human Rights)"
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Human Rights as Relative or Universal, 2008.
An analysis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the universalist and relativist approaches to the application of human rights.
1,986 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 16 sources, APA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses how human rights remain an issue of concern in the modern day. It discusses the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and looks at the current debate regarding UDHR's cross-cultural applicability. The paper then critically analyzes universalist and relativist approaches to the application of human rights.
From the Paper
"The instigators of the UDHR recognised the presence of western bias (Oh, 2005), however failed to correct it. The presence of this bias is one contributing factor for why human rights are not universally applied. Cross cultural diffusion of human rights requires an understanding of culture (Jinks, 2006), the clash of cultural values with African, Asia and Islam prohibits effective transfer of western human rights norms (Goodhart, 2003). The west has also been criticised for failing to practice its own norms, executing criminals, allowing, at least partially, the practice of euthanasia (Renteln, 1988) and doing little to alleviate racial, social and political unrest stemming from inequality."
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Human Rights, 2005.
This paper discusses the concept of human rights, which has its origin in the moral philosophies of Aristotle and the Stoic philosophers.
1,725 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the theory of human rights has broadened in concept over the centuries; its contemporary form includes securing for individuals the necessary economic, political and social conditions required to lead a minimally good life regardless of their caste, color, nationality, religion or gender. The author points out that, despite some objections raised mostly by people with vested interests to the doctrine of human rights, most people around the world are in agreement that human rights should not only be respected but also be promoted actively. The paper relates that frequent human rights violations are still taking place around the world, as witnessed in Darfur (Sudan) and Abu Gharib (Iraq).
Table of Contents
Historical Origins and Development
Three Generations of Human Rights and its Current Concept
Objections to Human Rights & Their Rebuttal
The Moral Relativists' Argument
Do Human Rights Intrude on State Sovereignty?
Religious Objections
What are the Consequences of Disregarding Human Rights?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The theory of human rights is based on the doctrine of "moral universalism" first put forward by Aristotle and Stoics. In "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle presents his argument in support of the existence of "a natural moral order" and opines that such a "natural" order should be the basis for all truly rational systems of justice. This concept of moral universalism implies that morality is not dependant on social and historical conditions and applies to all human beings regardless of place and time, and forms the basis of human rights. Roman Stoic philosophers such as Cicero and Seneca, also supported 'moral universalism' and argued that all moral laws originated in the rational will of God and the authority of such moral law transcended all local legal codes. Christianity, which emerged later, maintained the belief of a universal moral code in the ensuing centuries."
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Human Rights in China: A Misnomer?, 2005.
A broad, balanced and critical look at human rights in modern China.
2,436 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper defines key terms necessary for the paper ('human rights', 'civil rights' and 'civil liberties') and gives a brief history of the development of human rights (from Socrates through to the U.S. Bill of Rights and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights). The main paper is split into two parts. Part one looks at alleged human rights violations from both an external, generally 'Western', perspective and an internal, Chinese (Asian-Islamic) perspective. It argues that human rights as an issue is being manipulated by both Western and Eastern governments for political purposes. Examples used in the paper include alleged oppression in Tibet, Xinjiang, and Tianenmen Square; as well as suspected torture based on religious, political and socio-cultural intolerance by the Chinese government. Part two looks at possible solutions to the human rights issue. It again uses both internal (Chinese) and external (U.S. and U.N.) perspectives and leads to the thought-provoking conclusion. The full text of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights is included in the appendix.
From the Paper
"'Human rights' are rights that all humans are entitled to such as the right to live, the right to liberty, the right to freedom of expression and the right to equality within society. 'Civil rights' and 'civil liberties' refer to the guarantees that a state may make to its citizens and are offered in addition to one's basic human rights. Perhaps the best quantification of human rights (and the mostly widely accepted in the West) is the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Although the UN's Declaration is over half a century old and has been savagely criticized at times it still serves as a useful guide to general ideals of human rights."
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Human Rights in England and the ECHR, 2004.
A comparative analysis of the decisions of the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal with that of the European Court of Human Rights concerning human rights cases.
1,990 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 18 sources, APA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the decisions of the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal in R v Ministry of Defence ex parte Smith [1996] 2 WLR 305 with that of the European Court of Human Rights in Lustig-Prean v UK (2000) 29 EHRR 548. It discusses how the different outcomes in these cases can be chiefly explained by the approaches available to the courts in terms of reviewing State policy. It looks at why the test of 'irrationality' employed by the English courts meant that the discriminatory government policy could not be overturned and then examines why the test of 'proportionality' available to the Court of Human Rights allowed a fundamentally different outcome to be reached.
From the Paper
"Having accepted Brown LJ?s assessment regarding the justiciability of the policy, both the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal considered each of the three grounds for the review application: that the policy breached Article 2 of the EC Equal Treatment Directive ; that it breached Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights; and that it was ?irrational?. Both English courts shared the view that the word ?sex? in the EC Directive should not be construed as embracing sexual orientation and should, therefore, have a meaning no broader than gender . Had they accepted the applicants? argument, the policy would have been unlawful as it would amount to direct discrimination . In the Divisional Court, Brown LJ emphasised the ?unambiguous? language of the Directive, which plainly refers to discrimination of gender rather than of orientation."
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Human Rights in Africa, 2005.
This paper discusses the universalism of human rights in Africa.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper asks if, in a world characterized by diversity, especially as seen in Africa, can there be such a thing as universal human rights as defined by the post-WWII Universal Human Rights Declaration, or are human rights culturally specific. The author points out that cultural relativism against the imposition of the universal human rights in Africa often holds the view that society and tradition are unchanging and monolithic; scholars adhering to this view consider the universal human rights theory as a form of Western "cultural imperialism". This paper relates that workers for women and minority rights in many African states rely greatly on the universal human rights theory to espouse their cause for liberation against societal constraints.
From the Paper
"Rather than concentrate on the origins of the universal human rights, scholars supporting this theory are more engaged with the meaning of universal human rights in Africa. They assert that universal human right laws should take precedence over customary laws because "it provides a higher set of standard by which the various cultural traditions can be judged". Professor Ibhawoh, points to the ability of dominant groups and individuals to control the interpretation of cultural norms and use them to their advantage, while dominated groups are the once more receptive to different perception that are helpful to their quest for self improvement and justice."
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Islam and Human Rights, 2006.
A study of the issue of human rights in the Islamic religion.
2,451 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses several sources in Islam which deal with human rights and shows that the concept of human rights is fundamentally important in the religion. It then discusses how and why this concept is not upheld in many Muslim countries and questions why the rates of human rights abuse is higher in Muslim countries than Western countries.
Outline
Introduction
The Islamic Approach to Human Rights
Historical Review- Islamic Revivalism
Islamic Concept of Human Rights
Muslims and Universal Declaration of Human Rights- Certain Issues
Islam and Gender- Women's Rights
Conclusion
From the Paper
"If Islam preaches the equality of human beings and gender equality, why then women in Saudi Arabia are still victims of sex segregation, which affects many aspects in their lives, e.g. they don't have same opportunities as men in education or working careers.
They can't travel or even being seen in the public places without men chaperon. Domestic abuse is also quite common. Even Quran gives a man right to hit his woman is she starts to behave superior over him; ... If you fear high-handedness, from your wives, remind them (of the teachings of God), them ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them... (Qur'anic verse 4:33)."
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From Natural Law to Human Rights, 2006.
This essay explores how human rights grew from natural rights.
4,511 words (approx. 18.0 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 188.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer declares that early proponents of natural law argued that people have common sense and are born with an intuitive knowledge of right and wrong. This paper discusses that human rights are those rights that are based on human nature. The writer examines how human rights grew from natural rights. It argues that conceptions of right and wrong are not based on an unchanging, eternal order, but are negotiable; that is, open to revision as the years go by and times change. It is seen, for example, how women and children have used natural rights arguments to gain rights that formerly were denied them.
The writer concludes that human rights have evolved from natural law and natural rights and that human rights are intimately connected to morality and ethics.
Outline:
Introduction
Natural Law and the Concept of Rights
Changing the Law in Response to a New Moral Awareness
Human Rights for Women
Juvenile Death Penalty
Rights versus Utilitarianism
Conclusion
From the Paper
"More than anyone else the philosopher John Locke influenced the shape and form of democracy in the United States. He argued that human beings have certain fundamental rights, which governments cannot take away. He argued that no individual has a natural right to rule over others, and that a person's natural state is a state of freedom. Freedom, he explained, was not the same as license or permission to do whatever one wants; rather, freedom is based on the "law of reason which places precise limits on our behavior". Not everyone is able to enjoy their natural rights because other people and the government sometimes violate them; therefore, Locke suggested that men assemble and choose leaders who can be trusted to protect their natural rights. The primary function of government ought to be to protect the natural rights of its citizens, to protect citizens from other states, and to establish and maintain internal order. He suggested that oppressive governments (governments that had broken trust with the people) could, and should, be overthrown; in other words, sometimes, revolution is justified--especially if the government violates the natural rights of its citizens. In questions where natural rights are not the issue, then the will of the majority should prevail. His ideas profoundly inspired the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence; moreover, the Constitution was written mainly to protect the people's rights from government interference, to insure internal order, and to establish defense."
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Universal Human Rights, 2008.
Argues that the Bible cannot be used as a substitute for a declaration of universal human rights.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that it is necessary to have a universal declaration of human rights to which all countries must refer because the Bible is not enough to enforce these rights. The paper relates that even if the Bible did teach about universal human rights, it would not be a persuasive document for many of the world's countries because there are very few purely religious states. Furthermore, the majority of the world's people are not Christian. In addition, the Bible itself is very murky on several human rights issues. Next, in order to establish why the Bible cannot substitute for a universal declaration of human rights, the paper provides an explanation of what such a universal declaration would actually mean. The paper explains that the tenets that would comprise the universal declaration of human rights are not necessarily espoused by the Bible.
From the Paper
"In addition, many human rights activists believe that the death penalty is a de facto violation of human rights, regardless of the guilt or innocence of the person to be executed and the nature of the crime committed by that person. However, the Bible clearly endorses the application of the death penalty. Moreover, the Bible endorses the use of the death penalty in areas where most of the modern world has determined its use to be inappropriate. Amaziah executed his father's assassins, and the Bible described him as doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD.""
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Human Rights and Respect for Religion, 2001.
This paper investigates whether or not one can balance human rights with a respect for religious belief.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 19 sources, APA, AU$ 87.95
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Abstract
The universal declaration of human rights is dissected in this paper in order to challenge the notion of human rights and religion interacting cohesively. The three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their opinions on human rights are carefully examined in this paper, as well as their differences and similarities regarding this issue. Several examples of said human rights violations are described in respect to these religions. This paper tries to find a balance between human rights and respect for religious belief , which depends on the most important human right, the right to choose.
From the Paper
"Judaism, Christianity and Islam have much in common. All are, ?founded on the eternal command to love one God, oneself, and all neighbors. Each tradition recognizes a canonical text as its highest authority- the Bible, the Torah and the Qur?an.? The similarities continue in delegating authority to officials to propagate the faith, the embracing of an expanding body to interpret and enforce the religion?s decree, the presence of a refined legal structure (the canon law, Halakha and Shari?a) and the endeavor of each religion to imbue its religious, ethical and legal values into the daily lives of individuals and communities. Religious laws are not necessarily in breach of human rights so long as the freedom to choose religion or no religion is acknowledged. However, as has happened throughout history and even today, when religious laws are constructed by a state affecting all citizens, their option of a different or no religion becomes impossible."
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Human Rights Violations in the U.S.A., 2004.
This paper discusses several cases of violations of human rights and of civil liberties in the U.S.A.
3,820 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 167.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the term "human rights" is clarified as a set of human behavioral patterns that are bound together in a legal document enunciating the manner in which one person must treat the other person. The author presents many cases, which demonstrate that some of the most common cases of human rights violations can be found in the prisons. The paper examines a document by China, which states, despite the position taken by the U.S.A. as a world leader in the issue of human rights, the U.S. has many violations and has actually accomplished nothing more than to distort severely the human rights conditions in several different countries by stating that they are neglecting the issue of granting human rights to its citizens when, in fact, it is U.S.A. that is actually doing this.
From the Paper
"However, time has changed this; now African-Americans are considered a part of the soil of the United States, and they can cast their votes without fear of repercussions. They are also allowed, unlike as in the past, to occupy positions of high literary standing, at par with the 'whites'. The important 'Voting Rights Act' was passed in the year 1965, and this was one of the most important acts ever to defend the civil rights and liberties of an individual in the United States of America. The Act has been broadened over the years to accommodate various changes, and it facilitates the appointment of officials to ensure that the terms and conditions within are carried out to the letter. The VRA not only ensures that more voters cast their votes after registering, but also sees to it that people of African-American descent are also elected to office, a hitherto unheard of occurrence."
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