DVM 1100 Lecture 4: Module 4 – Universality

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: International Development and Globalization
• Course: DVM 1100
• Professor: Christopher Sibbald

Document Summary

Module 4 universality: the laws in a country with strong religious tradition criminalize same sex relationships. Yes it is a breach of human rights. No un treaty provides for unrestricted right to choose an abortion. Some un bodies have recommended this right be recognized in limited circumstances: some societies are trying to pass a law banning the wearing of any clothing cover the face. It is seen as intended to prevent muslim women from wearing the burka or niqab. But a number of human rights groups continue to argue this law is discriminatory. Human rights are universal; they are the norm. Hu(cid:373)a(cid:374) (cid:396)ights a(cid:396)e also historically/ anthropologically universal because most societies have practices human rights in the past. Some believe human rights are only universal because states are coerced in agreeing with them but the author argues that in most situations people, even with having little knowledge about human rights, will chose human rights.