After the Second World War, a Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) evolved as an act for freedom and equality. The UDHR was held by many politicians and representatives from many countries, with different cultures and religions, including the “United States, United Kingdom, Iran, China, Egypt, and France”, to intersect one main matter. This cosmo-political act is to insure that Human and civil Rights are applicable to all nations and regions all over the globe. However in 1981, Iranian representative in the United Nations Said Rajaie-Khorassani claimed that the declaration of human rights was based on Jewish-Christian beliefs and cultures, and could not be tolerated by the Islamic people, and their traditions (Littman, 2003). Countries like Iran claim that human rights are established fundamentally on a Western moral.
Certainly every nation has its own laws and regulations. Besides every region has its own traditions and values. But when it comes to human rights, it is a universal privilege that humanity has to possess. The universal declaration of human rights is made to structure all the inhumane and barbaric legacies made and done by state leaders and mainly dictators. Cultural relativists claim that this universality is considered cultural imperialism, dominating the world culture and ruining all kinds of ethnic norms and traditions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
- Cultural Relativism and Imperialism
- The Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI)
- Far Eastern Perspective
- Freedom of Expression and Censorship
- Human Rights Violations in the Middle East
- Religious Discrimination
- Women's Rights
- Political and Civil Rights
- The Universality of Human Rights
- Cultural Considerations
- Religious Freedom
- Minority Rights
- Equality and Freedom
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the ongoing debate surrounding the universality of human rights and cultural relativism, particularly in the context of the Middle East. It explores how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has been challenged and rejected by some governments and cultural relativists, arguing for the universal applicability of human rights regardless of cultural or religious differences.- The Universality of Human Rights
- Cultural Relativism and its Implications
- Human Rights Violations in the Middle East
- Freedom of Expression, Speech, and Religion
- Women's Rights and Equality
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
This work begins by outlining the historical context of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and its universalist ideals. It then examines the arguments put forward by cultural relativists who reject the universality of human rights, citing examples from Iran, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. The author argues that the UDHR is not a cultural imposition but a fundamental principle that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
The text goes on to explore the challenges to human rights in the Middle East, highlighting issues of religious discrimination, women's rights violations, and limitations on political and civil freedoms. The author examines the case of the Baha'i community in Iran, providing a stark example of the persecution faced by minorities. The text also explores the ongoing debate surrounding women's rights in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where women are forbidden from driving cars.
The final section focuses on the importance of upholding universal human rights and recognizing the inherent value of every human being. The author argues that cultural and religious beliefs should not be used as justification for denying basic human rights and freedoms.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This text focuses on the central concepts of human rights, cultural relativism, universalism, freedom of expression, religious freedom, women's rights, political and civil rights, and the Middle East. It explores the tension between these concepts and the challenges to achieving a truly universal application of human rights in the contemporary world.Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) truly universal?
While the UDHR is intended to be applicable to all humanity, some countries argue it is based on Western values and does not account for different cultural or religious norms.
What is cultural relativism in the context of human rights?
Cultural relativism is the view that human rights should be interpreted through the lens of a specific culture's traditions and values, rather than by a single global standard.
What is the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI)?
The CDHRI is an alternative declaration adopted by Islamic states that provides an overview of human rights from an Islamic perspective, often subordinating them to Sharia law.
How are women's rights handled in the Middle East according to this text?
The text highlights significant violations, such as restrictions on freedom of movement (e.g., driving bans in Saudi Arabia at the time of writing) and general inequality under certain legal systems.
What is the argument against "Cultural Imperialism" in human rights?
Critics of universalism claim that imposing global human rights standards is a form of cultural imperialism that destroys ethnic norms and traditions.
- Quote paper
- Mohamed El Nazer (Author), 2009, Human Rights and Human Norms, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/133049
