The meaning of ‘development’ changes according to what society needs to achieve a better life at any one time (Crocker 1992, p. 585). Exactly how we approach development varies according to our conception of justice in light of this goal. This paper examines three approaches to development: the Rights Based approach, the Basic Needs approach and the Capability approach. Concluding: that as far as fairness goes, the Rights Based approach is the most agreeable of the three, but even so, is not without fault.
The Rights Based approach is based on the concept of Human Rights, which aim to create freedom, justice and peace in the world (United Nations 2014, ‘The Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, para. 1). This approach views development in terms of building the capacity of individuals and Nation States to realize and claim their rights from duty-bearers and to perform their obligation to respect, protect and fulfill those rights claimed (Joussan 2003 p. 15; OHCHR 1996-2012, ‘What are Human Rights?’ para. 9). The nature and extent of such rights have been determined through a process of negotiation and agreement between differing member states from around the globe (United Nations 2014, ‘History Of The Document’, para. 1-7) and have been codified in the following documents: The United Nations Charter (1945), The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), The International Covenant Economic, Social and Cultural Rights(1966) and The Declaration on the Right to Development (1986). The Charter and Declaration do not have legal force serving more as a vision for member states to strive towards. But those Covenants agreed to and signed by the various member states ar...
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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 1948. Each of the 30 articles in this declaration defines rights humans need, from basic resources and education to freedom of thought and speech. Article 2 states, “Everyone
In this essay I will research and provide a timeline of developments to human rights, i will explain the underlying principles of the human rights approach and the importance of adopting human rights to care. After the Second World War ended in the mid 1940’s there became a serious realisation to the importance of human rights. This realisation got the United Nations to establish the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration shows the first ever international agreement on the primary principles of human rights. There is a total of thirty basic human rights within the Universal Declaration and these rights apply to every single person in the world. An example of one of the rights everyone has is ‘the
Just War and Human Rights. Philosophy and Public Affairs 9 (2):160-81. Mill, J. S., Bentham, J., & Ryan, A. (1987) The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Utilitarianism and other essays.
Human rights, specially those belonging to the first generation, as they are expressed in "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights" of December, 10th, 1948, are the end product of a long...
On December 10th 1948, the General Assembly adopted a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration, although not legally binding, created “a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations.to promote respect for those rights and freedoms” (Goodhart, 379). However, many cultures assert that the human rights policies outlined in the declaration undermine cultural beliefs and practices. This assertion makes the search for universal human rights very difficult to achieve. I would like to focus on articles 3, 14 and 25 to address how these articles could be modified to incorporate cultural differences, without completely undermining the search for human rights practices.
Magno, A., (2001) Human Rights in Times of Conflict: Humanitarian Intervention. Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, 2 (5). [online] Available from: http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/resources/publications/dialogue/2_05/articles/883.html> [Accessed 2 March 2011] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report (2000) Human Rights and Human Development (New York) p.19
... human rights within their own jurisdictions in one shape or another, the claim for a universal consensus on human rights is still a challenge and will continue to be. Those who try to impose their view on human rights on other societies fail to realize how diverse the world today is and how much culture and tradition have an impact on a country/states society and view. Cultural arrogance is not a means to developing an understanding between states. The challenge is to work towards the indigenization of human rights and the assertion within each country's traditions and history. Standards being internationally can only become reality when applied by countries within their own legal systems. Working unitedly in making decisions on the basis of what is best instead of following a single doctrine can encourage compromise to a worldwide mutual agreement of human rights.
The role that globalization plays in spreading and promoting human rights and democracy is a subject that is capable spurring great debate. Human rights are to be seen as the standards that gives any human walking the earth regardless of any differences equal privileges. The United Nations goes a step further and defines human rights as,
Contemporary Readings in Law & Social Justice, 5(2), 454-460.
Extractive institutions are used throughout this book to explain that the upper class extracts resources and goods from the lower class. They don’t allow growth or competition, but rather they just exploit the rest of society into doing their labour. It’s used to please a few, rather than the majority, and can still be seen in most places in the world. Whereas, inclusive institutions are the ideal way nations should be run, allowing for fair economical systems, property ownership, educational facilities and allowing all citizens to participate in the growth of the economy. Acemoglu and Robinson argue that this is the main factor in distinguishing the rich countries from the poor and, moreover, how they treat their citizens. This system is relatively used in North America and Western Europe.