Problem
Conflicting interpretations of universal human rights
Other Names:
Lack of universal agreement on human rightsUnwillingness to submit to world human rights standards
Nature:
In some cultures it is denied that human rights are universal. It is held that they must be considered in the context of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds.
Incidence:
Like other countries, the USA claims the right to select which rights it chooses to defend and which international human rights treaties it wishes to uphold. The USA has long resisted ratification of the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and that on Civil and Political Rights. It has refused to ratify those international agreements permitting international review of allegations of human rights abuses or those governing treatment of political refugees and their right to apply for political asylum.
Broader Problems:
Lack of standardsJeopardization of universalityInternationally non-cooperative governmentsLack of international policy on specific issues Narrower Problems:
Conflicting human rights claimsCollapse of human rights in favour of the greater good Aggravates:
International aid paternalismInternational political disunityDiscriminatory international orderLimited acceptance of human rights treatiesGovernment harassment of human rights activistsNon-compliance with international humanitarian lawInadequacy of international human rights instrumentsLack of legal protection for nongovernmental organizations engaged on hazardous duties Strategies:
Educating about human rightsAdjudicating human rightsProviding technical assistance on human rightsEnabling judicial consensus on human rightsAbstaining from agreement on human rights Subject(s):
Societal Problems → ScarcityResearch, Standards → Standards
Law → Agreements
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
10.03.2022 – 03:20 CET