The concept of human rights is complex in the best of circumstances. In the context of a global society, however, with varying nations holding different cultural and religious beliefs, understanding human rights becomes even more complicated. What one nation recognizes as a ‘right’ another might consider a ‘privilege’.
Globalism has adversely affected human rights in a few different ways. First, the transition from authoritarian to democratic forms of government and/or free market economies creates instability. This instability creates an environment ripe for violence. In these scenarios, there are frequent, blatant human rights violations.
Further, emerging free market economies result in a decrease in state spending. As such, citizens often seek illegal/illegitimate sources of income to compensate for the decline in government support. Human rights violations are common in these situations.
In addition, unethical and exploitive business practices often lead to violations of human rights. One example is the use of sweatshops and child labor practices by multinational corporations which exploit the most vulnerable of peoples.
International organizations have had varying authority and effectiveness in intervening in situations of human rights violations. One piece of legislation, the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been held up as the framework for international human rights law. In 1948, The United Nations has put forth the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which outlines 30 rights every individual is entitled to. These are rights all member nations must provide their citizens and that the UN uses as a common standard against which to measure all nations’ treatment of their people.
To read the Declaration go to http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
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