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Friday, July 18, 2008
11:48 PM
Do you think human rights are universal?
In answer to the question, yes I think human rights should be universal. Human rights are the basic rights and freedom to which all humans are entitled. Since it is all humans, and not only humans living in certain circumstances or certain country, hence it is not limited to geographical positioning. As we are all living as humans on the same planet, there should be no doubt as to whether a rich person living in a first world country should be entitled to human rights whereas a poor person living in a third world country should not be entitled to human rights. The entitlement of human rights should be based on only one condition- that is to be human. Basic rights and freedom should be allowed to everyone irregardless of their nationality, race, religion or gender, as in essence we are all living, breathing, thinking humans. By saying that human rights are not universal, it is equal to discrimination against humans.
However, it is not wrong to say that human rights are not universal. This is because in the many societies existing, each has its own culture, way of living and history. These factors affect the way people view human rights. For example, education rights are not seen as essential in some countries with agriculture as its main economic activity, especially in third world countries. Hence going by the United Nation’s definition of human rights, this particular country would not fulfil its agreement for human rights as its people do not enjoy education rights. The extent of human rights will then differ from another country, such as first world
As can be seen, human rights should be universal, as equal treatment should be extended to all humans who, underneath appearances, race and religion, are the same.