Universality of human rights was introduced in the twentieth century following the declaration of Human Rights by the UN on the basis that the standards and principles of human rights have a universal nature. Its emergence came at a time that the world placed high expectations for the establishment that would propel the law and exercise control. Hence, the foundations of this declaration are on the protection of human rights be the universal rule of law.
The values that were accorded significance utmost significance were categorized under, individual liberty and freedoms, democracy and political rights and social and economic rights. Unfortunately, the universality has not been manifested as it is supposed to be. There are instances when people are treated about their economic and social status. Despite the UN declaration of universality of human rights, arguments still emanate on whether the universality is manifested in most societies (Alstine, 2013). A big loophole after the declaration, however, emerged giving room for domestic and political upsurges that made people lose confidence in the rule of law.
It is argued that factors such as race, culture and economic worth of the individual have a certain degree of influence on human rights. Besides, states that believe in communitarianism hold the opinion that human rights make people feel being above the community which contradicts their philosophy (Maiese, June 2004). This discourse, therefore, presents an argumentative essay on whether or not universality of human rights should be enforced.
After the declaration of the universality of human rights, the UN had no machinery to enforce the rule of law. The declaration was, therefore, perceived as words and paper work that had no implication and capacity to ensure that the practicalities of the universal rule of law were upheld. The challenge was there was no instituted body that would ensure that the universal rule of law was enforced.
Besides, some nations and states believe that universality of the law is a western affair that is used strategically by the western forces to subject the rest of the world under a common rule of law. As such, these nations especially from the less developed continents perceived the whole thing as a way of infringing their autonomy. Besides, the power struggle on which country is more superior has made it unnecessary to think of there being any form of law that advocates for equality.
Moreover, the wide disparities that exist in a society in terms of resource endowment, military strength, economic growth differences in the level of technology makes the universality of human rights to be nonsensical (Little, 2013). Developed nations see themselves far above the less developed ones and, therefore, do not consider themselves equal to their counterparts.
On the other hand, enforcement of universality of human rights is important. Firstly, enforcement of equality before the law will ensure that there is no power abuse. If everyone respects the rule of law, it is most likely that the world will experience peace and stability needed for growth and development. In some cases, those in authority have misused the power bestowed upon them to deliberately cause harm to others especially to the subjects. For example, leaders have in some situations instigated wars that lead to loss of human life. Such cases would be seriously reduced by the existence of proper enforcement of human rights universality.
In conclusion, it can be deduced that human rights are universal in nature. Therefore, upholding the principle of universal rule of law is inevitable. There is a need to have a powerful enforcement body to ensure that the declaration on the universality is implemented fully. When the universality principle is advocated for and implemented fully, there will be cohesive and peaceful human coexistence in the society. Absence of the enforcement of the laws universally has led to abuse of human rights. It is important to enforce the universal declaration of human rights.
References
Alstine, M. V. (2013). The Universal Declaration and Developments in the Enforcement of International Human Rights in Domestic Law. Maryland Journal of International Law, Volume 24.
Little, D. (2013, March 5th ). Universality of Human Rights. Retrieved April 9, 2014, from http://www.usip.org/research/rehr/universality.html
Maiese, M. (June 2004). Human Rights Protection. Journa on Human Rights , 12-25.
