The Big Picture

The Big Picture

Understanding Human Rights

  • Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. These rights are protected by law.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN in 1948. The document contains 30 articles covering a wide range of basic human rights.
  • It’s crucial to understand the difference between absolute rights (those that can never be interfered with) and limited rights (those that can be restricted under certain circumstances).

Religious Perspectives on Human Rights

  • Many religions champion the protection and respect of human rights, often seeing it as part of their religious duty.
  • Doctrine of Imago Dei in Christianity holds that all people are made in God’s image, thus reinforcing the concept of human dignity and rights.
  • In Islam, the Sharia law provides guidance on respect and kindness towards others and recognises certain fundamental human rights.

Conflict And Human Rights

  • Violation of human rights often lead to conflicts at various levels - personal, national, and international.
  • The struggle for rights is a common theme in history like the Civil Rights Movement in the USA, Suffragettes in UK, Apartheid in South Africa, etc.
  • The role of peaceful protest and the use of non-violent resistance popularised by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi to resist and challenge these violations.

Human Rights And Global Issues

  • Poverty and economic inequality are often linked with violations of human rights.
  • The right to education and healthcare are fundamental rights that may be denied due to socio-economic factors.
  • Asylum seekers and refugees often face human rights violations both in their home countries and in host countries.

The Role of Organisations And Legislation

  • Various organisations, like Amnesty International and the United Nations, play a vital role in protecting and promoting human rights globally.
  • Legislations like the Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK, works to protect the human rights of individuals at a national level.
  • International courts like the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights enforce laws and seek to resolve instances of human rights breaches.