HR as a Western Construct

Human Rights as a Western Construct

In this lesson we will look at the claims that the human rights set out by the UN are a reflection of western values and are therefore not universal. In particular is the claim that the UDHR is an expression of a secular understanding of the Judeo - Christian tradition. Some of the arguments against the universal nature of human rights are:

Cultures have evolved differently
Some cultures have different priorities for the collective rather than the individual
Some cultures place the family above all else
Differing interpretations of religion may influence perceptions of rights

Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam

The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI) is a declaration of the member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference adopted in Cairo, Egypt, on 5 August 1990, (Conference of Foreign Ministers, 9-14 Muharram 1411H in the Islamic calendar) which provides an overview on the Islamic perspective on human rights, and affirms Islamic sharia as its sole source. CDHRI declares its purpose to be "general guidance for Member States [of the OIC] in the field of human rights".

This declaration is widely acknowledged as an Islamic response to the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948. It guarantees many of the same rights as the UDHR, while at the same time reaffirming the inequalities inherent in Islamic law and tradition in terms of religion, religious conversion, gender, sexuality, political rights, and other aspects of contemporary society at odds with various interpretations of the Islamic law and traditions.

Read the full text of the declaration here and note where you think it diverges from the UDHR

Asian Values Debate

In the 1990s a debate regarding so called 'Asian Values' began. This was prosecuted by the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, who argued that economic development and social harmony was more important than individual rights.

Additional Arguments

A further argument is that the UDHR seeks to impose a set of rights that took centuries to organically develop in Europe instantly on the rest of the world. The process of achieving many of the rights in the UDHR involved decades of debate and even bloodshed. Some western countries, such as Australia, have only removed laws making homosexuality illegal in the last twenty years. Switzerland only gave women the vote in 1971.

There is a strong argument that implementing the full set of rights in countries with undeveloped political culture and civil society institutions would unleash a violent and destructive backlash. But what does one say to those whose rights are being denied in the mean time?

IB1 Global Politics Essay Unit 2: Human Rights

To what extent can human rights be seen as universal

Suggested plan

Introduction:

Define the concept of Human Rights (See IB definition)
Briefly give the context of the UDHR on universality and define its meaning
State what your three arguments will be and their counterclaims
Provide a clear contention that states your position

Body Paragraph 1 (the case for universality)

T/S that either states human rights are universal or they are not
Expand on what universality is, quote the relevant article from the UDHR
Give the reasons behind the claim
Provide a counterclaim and discuss its validity

Body Paragraph 2 (Cultural Argument)1

T/S that either states the validity of a cultural argument or not (Cairo Declaration)
Expand on this, quote the relevant article from the Cairo Declaration
Critically evaluate this cultural argument
Provide a counterclaim and discuss its validity

Body Paragraph 3

T/S that either states the validity of a cultural argument or not (Asian Values debate)

Expand on this giving the reasons for the Asian perspective (quote the Bangkok declaration)
Critically evaluate this cultural argument
Provide a counterclaim and discuss its validity

Conclusion

Restate your contention
Summarise why your arguments are valid
Dismiss why the counterclaims don’t stack up

General Tips:

Use the key terms of the course
An essay like this does not have much scope, if any, for discussing political theory
Make sure you use evidence
To access the higher mark range counter claims must be explored and critiqued
Maximum word count is 1000 words

Here is the Paper 2 Mark Scheme

Level Descriptor

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1 - 5

The response reveals limited understanding of the demands of the question.
The response is poorly structured, or where there is a recognizable essay structure there is minimal focus on the task.
There is little relevant knowledge, and examples are either lacking or not relevant
The response is mostly descriptive.

6 - 10

The response indicates some understanding of the demands of the question.
There is some evidence of an attempt to structure the response.
Some relevant knowledge is present, and some examples are mentioned but they are not developed or their relevance to arguments is not clear.
The response demonstrates limited understanding of fundamental political concepts and approaches.
There is limited justification of main points.
Counterclaims are not considered.

11 - 15

The demands of the question are understood and mostly addressed but the implications are not considered.

There is a clear attempt to structure the response.

The response is mostly based on relevant and accurate knowledge of global politics, and relevant examples are given and support arguments.

The response demonstrates some understanding of fundamental political concepts and approaches.

Many of the main points are justified and arguments are largely coherent.

Some counterclaims are considered.

16 - 20

The demands of the questions are understood and addressed, and most implications are considered.
The response is well-structured.
The response demonstrates relevant and accurate knowledge and understanding of global politics, and relevant examples are used in a way that strengthens arguments.
The response demonstrates a good grasp of fundamental political concepts and approaches.
All or nearly all of the main points are justified and arguments are coherent.
Counterclaims are explored.

21 – 25

A very well structured and balanced response that addresses the demands and implications of the question.
Comprehensive knowledge and in-depth understanding of global politics is applied in the response consistently and effectively, with examples integrated.
The response demonstrates a very good grasp of fundamental political concepts and approaches.
All of the main points are justified. Arguments are clear, coherent and compelling.
Counterclaims are explored and evaluated.

Human Rights as a Western Construct

Asian Values Debate

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In the 1990s a debate regarding so called 'Asian Values' began. This was prosecuted by the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, who argued that economic development and social harmony was more important than individual rights.

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