Universal human rights, legal foundations and global challenges: Henkin and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein
How does Henkin define ‘the idea of human rights’? (Henkin p11).
According to Al Hussein, who has human rights? (Al Hussein p 2)
What are the ‘basic facts’ of the UN human rights treaty system? (p 4)
What is meant by ‘cultural relativism’ in the context of human rights?
Al Hussein identifies four lines of attack on universal rights: what are these? (pp 4-5)
What two problems does Al Hussein identify with cultural relativism or ‘traditional values’ (the first line of attack) (pp 5-6)
What is the UN human rights council? What is Al Hussein’s response to the accusation that the UN human rights council lacks legitimacy? (p 6). Is his argument convincing?
What is Al Hussein’s response to the accusation that the West promotes human rights, especially civil and political rights, to advance its own strategic interests? (p 6-7). Critique his argument.
Why does Al Hussein consider freedom of expression to be so important? (p 7)
What real-life examples does Al Hussein give as a justification for universal human rights? (p 9-10). Do you find his argument convincing?
Which countries were instrumental in pushing for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? (p 11)
