There is no generally acceptable definition of Human Rights. This is perhaps because Human Rights scholars have different opinions about the concept. Human Rights are “generally moral rights claimed by everyone and held against everyone, especially against those who run social institutions’’, (Orend 2002 ). At the global stage, the United Nations (UN) has for years played a leading role in promoting and protecting human rights with support from International Non-governmental Organisations.
In addition to the effort of the United Nations (UN), the state has basically been seen as the main actor in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. Unfortunately, states according to Hakemulder et al (1998), are often the very abuser of the rights of the citizens they are required to protect. It is noteworthy however that though the state bears the primary responsibility in issues of human rights, other organs of the society are included in the protection and promotion of Human Rights, (Addo, 1999). These organs, institutions and mechanisms include constitutions, law and legality, the courts among others. This write-up is about to discuss one of such mechanisms, the mass media in relation to how it carries out it promotion and protection role of Human Rights.
Although there are International Human Rights Instruments which the United Nations (UN) has produced to serve as common standard of achievement of all people, countless Human Rights Violations occur locally and across the globe. These violations could be committed by the state as well as non-state actors. Non-state actors violate people’s Human Rights through direct involvement or indirectly when they consent to such violations. Non-state actors such as individuals, groups, informal or organized, ad hoc or continuous, may pose as violators, protectors or intermediaries.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Meaning of Mass Media
- How the Mass Media Promotes and Protects Human Rights
- Challenges of the Mass Media
- Recommendations
- Summary
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this text is to explore the role of mass media in promoting and protecting human rights. It examines how various media platforms contribute to raising awareness, influencing public opinion, and holding both state and non-state actors accountable for human rights violations.
- The definition and scope of human rights
- The role of mass media in shaping public discourse and opinion on human rights
- The impact of media on promoting human rights awareness and education
- The challenges faced by mass media in its efforts to protect human rights
- The potential of mass media as a tool for social change and human rights advocacy
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context by addressing the complexities surrounding the definition of human rights and the various actors involved in their protection and promotion. It highlights the crucial role of the state, while acknowledging the limitations and often contradictory actions of governments. The chapter then introduces the mass media as a key mechanism in the human rights landscape and sets the stage for a detailed examination of its multifaceted role.
Meaning of Mass Media: This section provides a comprehensive definition of mass media, encompassing traditional and modern communication channels. It defines "mass" communication and differentiates between various types of media organizations, ranging from regional and national entities to international players. The inclusion of social media as a significant modern platform underscores the evolution and ever-expanding reach of mass communication.
How the Mass Media Promotes and Protects Human Rights: This chapter delves into the core function of the media in human rights advocacy. It explores the media's "agenda-setting" power, its ability to shape public discourse and opinion. The chapter further highlights how media coverage can foster peace and understanding, while also cautioning against its potential for misuse, as tragically illustrated by the Rwandan genocide. The chapter stresses the media's role in raising awareness about human rights violations, promoting positive social change, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Mass media, human rights, social change, public opinion, agenda-setting, human rights violations, media responsibility, social media, advocacy, accountability, freedom of the press.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Mass Media and Human Rights
What is the overall objective of this text?
The text aims to explore the multifaceted role of mass media in promoting and protecting human rights. It examines how different media platforms contribute to raising awareness, influencing public opinion, and holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
What are the key themes covered in this text?
Key themes include: the definition and scope of human rights; the role of mass media in shaping public discourse and opinion on human rights; the impact of media on promoting human rights awareness and education; the challenges faced by mass media in protecting human rights; and the potential of mass media for social change and human rights advocacy.
What topics are covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the context by discussing the complexities surrounding the definition of human rights and the actors involved in their protection and promotion. It emphasizes the state's crucial role while acknowledging its limitations and sometimes contradictory actions. It introduces the mass media as a vital mechanism in the human rights landscape.
How does the text define mass media?
The text provides a comprehensive definition of mass media, encompassing both traditional and modern communication channels. It clarifies "mass" communication and differentiates between various types of media organizations, from regional and national to international. The significance of social media as a modern platform is also highlighted.
How does the text explain the role of mass media in promoting and protecting human rights?
This section explores the media's "agenda-setting" power and its ability to shape public discourse and opinion. It discusses how media coverage can foster peace and understanding, while also warning of potential misuse. The text emphasizes the media's role in raising awareness about human rights violations, promoting positive social change, and holding perpetrators accountable.
What are the key challenges faced by mass media in its efforts to protect human rights?
While the text doesn't explicitly list challenges in a dedicated section, it implicitly addresses them by mentioning the potential for misuse, as exemplified by the Rwandan genocide. Further challenges can be inferred from the need for media responsibility and accountability.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Mass media, human rights, social change, public opinion, agenda-setting, human rights violations, media responsibility, social media, advocacy, accountability, and freedom of the press.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes: Introduction, Meaning of Mass Media, How the Mass Media Promotes and Protects Human Rights, Challenges of the Mass Media, Recommendations, Summary, and Conclusion.
- Quote paper
- Kwesi Nyarkoh Koomson (Author), 2013, The Mass Media as a Mechanism for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338948