As the world marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I have a few questions, namely:
- Are we doing enough to stop the crisis in Zimbabwe, which is as real as it gets?
- Will we do anything for the dire conditions in Sudan to improve in the coming year?
- Can we guarantee the right of people to run for political office and ensure that people like Ayman Nour will not be punished for seeking political competition in his own country?
- I have the same question about Alexander Kozulin who was arrested for his participation in elections in Belarus, political prisoners in Myanmar, and dozens of others in all corners of the world
- Do we see the link between economic freedoms and human rights? Do we actually recognize economic freedoms as human rights?
- Have you read Amartya Sen?
- Do you know your rights?
There can never be too much attention devoted to the issue of human rights, but there is certainly plenty written and shown about it today in all types of media. And its great to see this.
It is also interesting to see the growing emphasis on the fact that political and economic freedoms are indeed part of the human rights agenda. And, as such, they are intrinsically linked to broader development efforts. Whether its the provision of vaccine in the remote regions of Africa or freedom of information and association advocacy program in the Andes – they are all important as part of the human rights agenda.
Political freedoms? Read articles 19, 20, and 21, among others. Links to economic freedom? Although not as many as political and not as explicit as some might desire, they do exist in the declaration. Particularly in article 18 that emphasizes the right of individuals to own property and their right not to be deprived of it arbitrarily.
In fact, recognition of political and economic freedoms as part of the human rights agenda allows one to think differently about development. Its not just about lending a helping hand in the times of crisis, which is certainly something people in places like Zimbabwe desperately need, it is also about empowering individuals on the ground so that Zimbabwe does not descend to where it is today in the first place. For more on empowering countries to help themselves avoid human rights crises see this interview with James Shikwati.
I can see many critics jump up and say that one should not argue for democracy and market economy to be part of the human rights agenda. I will not. But one can’t deny that rights to political competition, property, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of choice are part of the declaration. However, who can argue that these are not the underlying principles of market economies and democracies?
Article 28 of the declaration clearly states that:
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Two last questions:
- What does that order look like?
- And why aren’t we there yet?
Published Date: December 10, 2008