Democracy and Human Rights Essay

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The Interdependence of Democracy and Human Rights

Democracy and Human Rights Democracy gives people living in the state the rights to choose their own government officials through the voting process. Human rights are the fair treatment of all people no matter their race, gender and religion. The people are protected under the constitution in the United states guaranteeing the people’s rights and the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” protect the rights of people nationally (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.259.)

The Role of the United Nations in Promoting Democracy and Human Rights

The “united nations” helps by ensuring peace nationally and with states that are at odds against each other. They ensure the rights of the people and their “core values” which is the belief and action of democracy (United Nations, 2020) (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.165). Every person deserves the right to “liberty and the pursuit of happiness” no matter the circumstances (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.256). Democracy goes hand in hand with Human rights because you can’t have one without the other.

The Transformation of South Africa: From Apartheid to Democracy

In a democracy, people have the freedom to elect their government officials that will protect their needs, provide security, and make sure laws are upheld that protect their citizens. The government officials protect the rights of their people through “Natural law” and other promises made during the election process (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.256). In south Africa people lived under an “apartheid government” for many years (Apartheid, 2020). The people who were considered inferior, were oppressed and had no rights. The South African government did not agree that “all are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.260).

The oppressed could not own land, hold specific jobs, and were treated with cruelty. It wasn’t until they became a Democracy state that things began to change for them for the better. It created equal opportunities for African Americans and freed them from oppression. Before South Africa became a democracy state, there was constant fighting in the streets, people were killed, and bombs were placed in areas to instill fear of change. Caucasian people were to be separated from African American people which were the “majority” of the population in South Africa (Apartheid, 2020). It was illegal for Caucasians to marry African American people; they were segregated so that the people could not intermingle with one another. African Americans could not hold high paying salaries which lead to unfair pay and poor living conditions.

Challenges to Democracy: The Cases of Iran and Syria

Areas such as Iran and Syria did not conform to “multiethnic democratic states” and because of this there has been nothing but extreme violence in high poverty areas (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.258-259). War has taken over and there are hundreds of refugees escaping to other areas, but those areas then don’t have the proper means to sustain them. States that don’t conform to democracy have disregarded the rights of their people and many times become ruled by dictators. States that do not believe in democracy and human rights have higher rates of violence. These countries have higher criminal activity, are more susceptible to corruption in the government system in place and are “30-40 percent higher risk of civil war”, then countries that are established (Democracy and Human rights, 2020).

With a democratic system in place it decreases crime rates, allows “economic growth”, and people are able to vote in a “fair election” (Democracy and Human Rights, 2020 ) Syria has one of the highest rates of refugees going to other states for safety. Many woman and children travel long distances so that their family is not subjected to the dangers that come with war. During times of war woman have been raped, sold in trafficking rings, killed and enslaved. The abuse and torture of woman was used as a “social and culture symbol” a type of strategy used by those invading to show no mercy to their opponents (p. 280). The “UN Security Council resolution” was then enforced in 2000 which protected woman since they were used as pawns in battle and war (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.282).

The Impact of Democracy on Women’s Rights

The UN protects woman rights and wanted people to understand how much woman contribute to the wellbeing of society. Woman are the biggest “support functions” during any crises a state may face (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.280). Democracy has allowed woman the same basic rights as men and has freed them from oppression. During WWII woman had to take over for men fighting in the war. woman began jobs that were primarily for men such as “truck driving”, mechanics and radio operators. (History at a Glance). Women became nurses in the military, serving on the “front line” helping injured soldiers (History at a Glance). Jobs and income that were male based finally were being performed by woman. Many laws were set in place that didn’t allow woman to vote, have equal rights to men “based on gender beliefs” and were not able to secure positions in government (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.104-105). Shortly after WWII woman were praised for their help in ensuring the “allies’ victory” and from then on, many laws changed providing women with more rights (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.104-105). Democracy has evolved with the times, providing woman with equal opportunity. There is an increase of “24 percent” of woman being active players in the “National Parliament”.

It has introduced “Liberal feminism” where woman fight for their rights of “peace, justice, and economic well- being” (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.104). It is an ongoing battle for woman because of what society think woman and men can handle in certain situations. In 2015 there was a protest that was labeled “where are the women” because numbers of woman in “parliament by region” were low or nonexistent (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p. 105). “Cynthia Enloe” indicated that the reason of low number of women in government was because it was primarily men who are biased to the “natural” role of woman (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.106). Woman now have a voice and support is given to them through many organizations. “International nongovernmental organizations” help protect a nation when the government is unable to do so in many cases (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.194).

The Contribution of NGOs and International Organizations to Human Rights

They do not act on behalf of the government but in some cases may be funded by the government. These organizations help high poverty areas all over the nation that have medical, supply, and food needs. The “American Red Cross, Oxam and Doctors without Borders” are examples of these organizations that travel to assist those in need by sending volunteers to the appropriate areas to help(Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.194-195). Many children in places such as Africa are starving, turned into soldiers, raped, and sold against their will. Many people who live in poverty in underdeveloped areas, live in areas called “slums”. It has been estimated that around “828 million people” currently reside in slums (Cates, 2017). These areas have extremely poor sanitation, allowing the growth of disease and sickness to spread (cates,2017). The structures of the homes that they live in are poorly made and deteriorating slowly with harsh weather conditions.

Children and families barely have enough to eat or drink. They don’t have the proper clothing that fit them and there is a severe lack of education with children in these areas. Law Enforcement does not patrol these areas leading to high crime rates, no “security” and criminal activity (Cates,2017). Mexico City has the highest number of slums with Africa following close behind. The governments of different states as well as the world have an obligation to make sure that every person is helped, and their right aren’t being violated. INGOs expose governments by telling the public what the government spends their money on instead of helping the areas that are high in poverty in their areas. They use social media, TV News networks and the internet to “expose Hypocritical Behavior” so that the public knows the truth and can help their cause (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.195). Since NGOs don’t belong to the government, they are able to spread “awareness campaigns” so that people know and understand that the governments in impoverished areas are not sufficiently caring for their people.

The Doctors Without Borders organization helps by providing hope for families who have members that are critically ill. They supply medications, vitamins, check-ups and clean water to help improve their quality of life. The Red Cross has “authority” because of the Humanitarian law that was passed internationally to help people that are casualties of war, refuges and people who have been imprisoned (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.284). They help provide them security and assist them in any way possible These people help with education “promote awareness” nationally so that people globally can help with donations of money, clothes, and supplies (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p. 284). Oxam helps children in these areas by providing them with items they require to live an equal life.

They help provide food, shelter, and education. They also provide information to the world about all the hardships that these children face. “WHO” is the World Health Organization, they shed light on health concerns nationally and they provide ways/guidelines on how to help assist with major health scares (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.283).WHO also helps by implementing “policies” that will advocate for those living in poverty (Poverty and Health). They have created ministries that will travel from state to state to come up with solutions on how to help those that are in need in an efficient and safe way. Each NGO contributes in its own way and they all work together and are advocates for people everywhere. The UN expanded into different areas making sure that different groups were protected.

The United Nations: A Pillar of Global Peace and Human Rights

The United Nations is our greatest tool to help keep the peace. They have significantly lowered conflicts with different states that would have resulted in aggression. They protect the people’s rights all over the world and step in with arm forces if need be to provide protection. The UN helps build and develop areas that were once fighting, they help pick up the pieces of battle and secure a peaceful tomorrow for citizens. They help promote “humanitarian intervention” because everyone deserves the same rights and chance to live in an area that will not hurt or neglect their people (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.283).

The UN also have other parts that protect and ensure the safety of groups. The “UN High Commissioner” helps Refugees that have been displaced due to conflict (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.283). Many refuges escape to other countries and enter illegally. Many times they are not met with kindness because they are now taking away more of the countries resources. The Un helps allocate them so they can live without fear and with security of peace. The “UN Children’s Fund” helps children by providing them with education, medical needs, clothing, food and shelter (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.283). The “UN Development Fund for Woman” helps by providing woman with gender equality, stopping all types of violence against women and helping them in areas that are high in poverty (Gemelli). The UN is amazing for protecting people and working with others to ensure every person is treated with equal rights. Democratic states provide security to keep borders safe. In less developed states genocide has taken place leading to hundreds of deaths and many developing diseases (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.266). The problem is that many times “National interest trump human interest” (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.269).

States who have the capability to fight against the genocide occurring in Rwanda have not because they don’t feel as though their resources and soldiers should be used in something that doesn’t have to do with them. (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.269) The United Nations has their rules and regulations trying to protect people, but it doesn’t help when states who are part of the UN don’t want to step in and help. The problem is that the United Nations can’t force states to comply with certain things if they haven’t agreed to the terms. Some “Social democratic countries” have made certain conditions that other states must follow if they expect them to supply or trade any goods (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.262) There people must be treated fairly and they have to go by what the United Nation Legal Convention says.

The legal convention protects people in many different groups such as “woman, children, and migrant workers” (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.262) This convention also implemented that “Racial discrimination stop as well as torture” (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.261) States provide “Common security” it’s a safety net to make sure citizens are not casualties of war because many times families are killed as collateral damage (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p. 265).States have to try and work together to help ensure peace. They shouldn’t turn their backs on those who are facing extreme hardships and be good neighbors because if that state was in need, they would want help. The governments of states protect their people by providing security against threats, war and any type of crisis that their citizens may face. If a Natural disaster strikes then the community, firefighters, military soldiers and other government officials help by providing aide to those who have been affected. They help by rebuilding homes, allocating families to safer areas, providing basic needs to people who have lost everything and assisting with any medical intervention (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.285).

States have an “international responsibility to protect” its people and secure their rights (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.284). “The international criminal court” is another way states have come together to protect their people. It is used on any person internationally that have committed heinous murderous crimes, war crimes, and genocide. This court only steps in when crimes can’t be tried nationally (Lamy, Masker, Baylis, Smith, Owens, 2017, p.282). They make sure that those who are committing acts of terrorism be tried and convicted to ensure safety of citizens. In the end of the day, the government works better when people have the right to choose. Democracy helps all these programs and government aides to exist and ensure peace and equality to all.

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