POLSCI 1G06 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Human Security
19 Dec 2016
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Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Political Science 1G06 2016 II Lecture 9b
Human rights
Defining fundamental human rights?
Supporters of a universal definition of human rights highlight the existence of a network
of international agreements
Since states have signed accords that acknowledge human rights, universal human
rights can be said to exist
Nevertheless there is debate about how, when and whether particular rights apply in
every circumstance
For example, in cases where rights conflict, which rights should be prioritized over
which other rights
E.g. should a state prioritize civil and political rights, or social and economic rights?
Moreover, are the rights being promoted most forcefully by the West those that are the
most universally accepted
Or are they a reflection of Western values?
Protecting rights?
How can human rights be defended without violating human rights in the process?
Modern military tactics always produce collateral damage which harms the innocent
Yet doing nothing is to tacitly support the practice in question
This leaves open the question of alternatives
Economic Sanctions
Sanctions (say supporters) are an alternative that allows action without harming the
innocent
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