Universality of Human Rights
Last week, you established that human rights are those to which all people are entitled. This idea may seem simple and straightforward; but the question remains as to how and when specific human rights are universally applied. The “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (UDHR) identifies five core notions, or concepts of basic human rights. Universal rights tend to be flexible and evolve as the social and political landscape changes. For example, universal human rights guide contemporary human rights initiatives such as environmental rights and reproductive rights.
There are an abundance of human rights issues in the global community. Agreement on what constitutes universal human rights is an important step toward addressing social justice issues.
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Review the article, “Cultural Relativism and Universal Human Rights.” Consider various definitions of universal human rights and arguments in favor of establishing them.
- Review the book excerpts, “Introduction” and “Before and Beyond the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Revisit the five notions (concepts) of human rights drawn from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Focus on examples of human rights associated with the five notions (concepts).
- Select one of the five notions (concepts) of human rights. Select two types of related human rights.
- Consider why the rights you selected should be universal.
