Recognition_and_Development_of_Human_Rights

Writing Task: What are Human Rights' Outline how Human Rights have changed and developed over time by investigating the evolving recognition and importance of universal human rights. Human Rights are the rights and privileges given to all people. They are not dependant on religion, ethnicity or nationality and they are not given or taken away by government. Over the time, people trying to define and develop the notion of human rights, it was changed and slowly recognised as the changes occurred with the society values and moral beliefs. People believed in Natural Law Thinking that higher power above the ruler or law makers, rights were given to people by a higher authority than the ruler. Through the abolition of slavery, formation of trade unionism, the recognition of universal suffrage and education, the establishment of right to self-determination and peace rights, society slowly develops the notion of human rights and recognises the importance of universal human rights. Slave trade was one of the early institution among ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman societies. Slave trade involves a system which individuals had no personal rights and slaves were bought and sold and many were abused in physical, emotional and sexually abused. Many debates over the idea of natural rights and political liberty as slavery were against their religion, Christians believed that slavery does not show love for one’s neighbour and equality before God. This then leads to the pass of Emancipation Act 1833 which abolishes slavery in Britain. This act then drives more developments such as the 13 th amendment to the US constitution which outlawed slavery in US after a civil war at 1865. However southern states of US against slavery as slavery leads to a well economy and discrimination was still on slaves until 1960,e.g Blacks were not allow to vote. After WWI, the League of Nations appointed the Temporary Slavery Commission which recommends a treaty against the slavery. The Convention to Suppress the Slave Trade and Slavery was established in 1926, however it wasn’t very effective as the signatories were only to sign “as soon as possible”. After WWII, slavery and similar practices were still existed around many countries such as Nazis and Soviet Union, it was until the establishment of Universal Declaration of Human Rights established by United Nation in 1948 which banned slavery under its article 4. In Australia, the case Wei Tang vs. Queen shows slavery is banned under Criminal Code 1995 (Cwlth). The notion of Human Right is continued to be recognised in other areas such as the rights of workers. Trade Unionism was formed to protect the rights of employees. This is due to the industrial revolution in 18 th century that workers’ organisations were to given some power to improve workers’ wages and conditions. However there were still difficulties as trade unionists were seen as revolutionaries. A group of labours formed a Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers to increase the wages and conditions of workers. However, they were charged under Unlawful Oaths Act 1797 because they were swearing a secret oath. It was under the Universal Declaration of Human Right 1948 Article 23(4) granted the rights for workers to join or form the trade union as they wish. The notion of Human Right expanded into universal suffrage which gives everyone the right to vote. In Australia, voting is compulsory however women were not allowed to vote until 1908. The voting right that was given to women shows the equal political rights between genders. Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 21(3) protects the right to vote. Universal education is the idea that the right of all to a basic education. Due to the developments of more sophisticated economy, people started to realise the importance of education. However many problems existed for people from all classes to grant this right such as the need of children to work and support the families etc. By 1870s, Australia passed several acts for all people to enjoy a free and compulsory education. This right later protected under the Article 26(1) of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to self- determination was one of the human rights which concerns about people have at least partial control over their land. This right is subjected to indigenous people. It aims at minor groups having rights over their land but still remain in a broader nation. Decolonisation during 20 th century ensures the traditional lands that was controlled by another power were given back to the traditional owner. However it also leads to the development of states that were artificial creations and one state were often dominating the wealth and institutions of the new state. Environmental rights was the right for a whole human spices which is to consider and provide a same level of environmental quality for the future generation which is the Intergenerational equity. The Stockholm Declaration (1972) and the Rio Declaration (1992) which regulates and made world to be more sustainable future. Peace rights were also being expanded as one of the human rights that countries are to act in their own interests and international order was determined by the self-interest of countries. Over the time, many problems have been faced by the United Nations to enforce and protect this right. To develop and recognise the notion of human rights and its importance, United Nations have formed various declaration to enforce and protect these rights to all the people such as the Universal Declaration of Human right in 1948 which promote universal respect and observance of human rights, the dignity and worth of the person, non-discrimination and respect for the individual dignity e.g. the right of all people to freedom and equality in dignity and rights (Article 1). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1976 expanded base on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 which protects the treatments of the individuals as an individual and as a member of wider society which protects people from torture, assaults etc. e.g. the right to live and freedom from torture and slavery. International Covenant on Economic Social and Culture rights in 1966 recognises both national and global resources are finite and requires all states to take steps through international economic and technical cooperation and assistances in achieving “Progressively the full realisation of the right recognised in the present Covenant” (from Article 2)