The Balancing Act of Universal Human Rights and Cultural Values
The concept of human rights has been around for centuries but it wasn’t until the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 that it was acknowledged as an essential cornerstone for building respectable societies across the world. The declaration enshrined a set of inalienable rights that were deemed to be universal irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or culture.
However, the practical implementation of these rights hasn’t always been straightforward. The implementation faces the balancing act of universal human rights and cultural values. There have been instances where the implementation of human rights has clashed with cultural practices and values, resulting in questions about when one takes priority over the other.
Defining Human Rights
Human rights are rights considered to be inherently possessed by all individuals, regardless of their background. In other words, they are rights that every human being is entitled to by virtue of being human. Human rights encompass all aspects of human life, including but not limited to, civil, political, social, economic as well as cultural rights.
Examining Cultural Values
Culture is an integral part of human life. It refers to the beliefs, customs, and practices that characterise a particular group or society. These cultural practices aren’t always consistent with universal human rights; to some extent, they restrict the full implementation of these rights.
In many societies, for instance, gender roles and expectations have been based on cultural customs. These customs have tended to restrict the full enjoyment of human rights by women. Similarly, some communities have traditionally practiced Female Genital Mutilation, viewed as a cultural practice, yet violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Balancing Cultural Rights and Universal Human Rights
The balancing act between cultural rights and universal human rights isn’t an easy one. For instance, there have been instances where the implementation of Universal Human Rights has collided with cultural practices. In these cases, human rights activists have called for the abolishment of these cultural practices, including child labor, forced marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation.
However, the solution isn’t always that simple. When organisations seek to impose their views on different cultural practices, a clash usually follows. Human rights groups must recognise the importance of culture in society and remain conscious of how these clashes can create negative consequences.
Conclusion
The need to balance universal human rights and cultural rights is a crucial debate that requires careful consideration of both factors. Trade-offs can be challenging, especially when a particular cultural practice infringes upon the rights of individuals within that society. Ultimately, finding the ideal balance between these two factors will require a delicate approach to recognise that both concepts play a significant role in shaping societies as a whole. By being aware of, and actively discussing, the importance of balancing these two types of rights, we can work to create a more balanced and just world.
