The Dangers of Upholding Cultural Traditions that Violate Human Rights
Cultural traditions have played an essential role in society, shaping values and behaviours of generations. However, in some instances, cultural traditions can have devastating effects on human rights. With changing times, it is becoming increasingly crucial to question these traditions’ validity, systems and practices that violate human rights.
Cultural traditions vs Human rights
Cultural traditions are often deep-rooted, and their evolution takes place over time. However, some cultural practices have no place in a modern, human-rights focused world. Cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, dowry systems, honour killings, and witchcraft accusations harm individuals and entire communities. For instance, in some communities, girls as young as 8 are forced into marriage, leading to deprived childhoods, compromised physical development, and substandard education.
Current statistics indicate that approximately 200 million girls worldwide have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), exposing them to life-threatening medical complications and leaving long-term physical and psychological damage. FGM, just like other cultural practices, is linked to beliefs and superstitions that have no scientific or factual backing, hence should be decisively abolished.
Challenging harmful cultural traditions
Challenging deeply entrenched cultural traditions isn’t simple, especially considering the cultural sensitivity of the issue. However, it is possible to effect change by sensitizing communities on human rights and the importance of promoting and upholding them. Human rights organizations, governments, and NGOs have rallied behind the cause and made considerable progress in combating harmful traditions.
Through education and awareness, communities can understand the physical and psychological harm inflicted on individuals and dissuade further application of these traditions. For instance, campaigns against FGM have been ongoing for years, and progress has been made in countries such as Somalia, where the prevalence rate has dropped significantly.
The Importance of Upholding Human Rights
Human rights are fundamental, and they protect every individual from the abuse of power and the repressive imposition of cultural traditions. Nothing justifies violation of someone’s human rights, and that is why it is essential to challenge all practices that are harmful, regardless of their cultural standing. Upholding human rights promotes equality, justice, and freedom, which enables individuals to live fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, culture evolves, and with it, the traditions and practices that people uphold should evolve too. It is vital to identify and challenge cultural practices that violate human rights, with education and laws that support these efforts. Only through such efforts will humanity be able to progress towards a society that values and protects fundamental human rights.
