Defining human rights
The United Nations defines human rights as “rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more.” Everyone is entitled to these rights without discrimination. That’s comforting because this forms a foundation for understanding the current outcry, backlash, and controversy generated after the US Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade judgment. Contextually, overturning the verdict means there is no federal constitutional right to abortion in the US.
Are human rights universal?
Personally, I hold human rights should be enjoyed by all.
However, the world tells a different story. Women in Saudi Arabia started acquiring driving licenses on June 24, 2018, following a royal decree allowing them to drive without a male accomplice. Additionally, when the Western-backed government departed Afghanistan, the Taliban took over and eroded most rights enjoyed by the populace. Afghan women continue to bear the brunt of the regime. For instance, Afghan women are excluded from any formal education and are confined to religious studies. That the Afghan government appointed an all-male cabinet speaks volumes of its views toward women. This is just a case study since more countries such as Russia (political authoritarianism), Venezuela (political suppression), and Turkey (political limitations). The list is long.
Yet the US, the perceived beacon of democracy, is not spared either. The January 6, 2021, insurrection cast doubt on the stability of the US democracy. Political intolerance and attempts to subvert the will of the people, for whatever reasons, is a violation of human rights. In Europe, grievances abound of xenophobia and perceptions towards Muslims residing in these countries. All these assertions are detailed in this Guardian Report.
A Torturous Journey
The United Nations, by its admission, confirms that 141 countries out of the 193 member states(read all countries) engage in torture. Before you ask, including the US. Look at how China’s model of economic liberalization at the expense of freedom draws admiration from different quarters. It’s not surprising there is a steady rise of authoritarian governments in recent years. In the US, the ongoing debate is whether women are a subordinate class. The issue of abortion is neither here nor there. The fundamental aspect is whether women, historically and presently, are accorded the autonomy and dignity to enjoy human rights as their male counterparts.
Human Rights Shortcomings
Sovereignty – the right of each country to self-govern – remains a key stumbling block toward an objective and standard application of human rights. Even the famous Universal Declaration of Human Rights was approved by UN General Assembly rather than ratified by member states. Inadequate international tools exist to enforce human rights. Most remain aspirational. And that’s the tragedy of our age.
Human Rights and Abortion
Abortion has been a hotly contested issue for many years. Some people believe that it is a woman’s human right to have an abortion, while others believe that it is unfair and should not be allowed.
One argument is that every woman has the right to control her own body, and this includes the right to have an abortion. Another argument is that abortion can be necessary in order to save the life of the mother or to protect her health.
About The Contributor
