Introduction
Human rights has and remains to be a topic of concern across various settings all around the globe. This can be attributed to the fact that while it human rights is a necessity, millions of populations all around the world continue to suffer from crimes against humanity. A close analysis of different countries shows that there exists an authoritarian form of governance, which hinders access to political and civil freedoms. The scope of human rights dates to various decades ago. Precisely, events presiding the Second World War and the Holocaust are the most pertinent factors that resulted in the rise of human rights. Worth noting is the fact that human rights were developed with the sole intent of demonstrating the notion that every human being is valuable and of immeasurable worth. Through the study of the atrocities arising from the Holocaust, and the Second World War, various populations developed an innate sense of humanity, which elicits the need to avoid the occurrence of such atrocities in the present and the future (Ishay 25).
Discussion
In a nutshell, the Holocaust, as well as the Second World War ignited the evolution of human rights. There are various ways in which the two historical events ignited the need for universal human rights, which could advocate the needs of millions of innocent populations affected by atrocities emanating from the violation of their rights. With regards to the Holocaust, it is of the essence to note that there are various lessons drawn from the Holocaust history, which justified the need for human rights. More importantly, the Holocaust demonstrated the consequence of authoritarian rules (Glendon 19). Precisely, the atrocities arising from the Holocaust were greatly attributed to Hitler’s dictatorial regime. Through Hitler’s rule, the German populations developed a high sense of intolerance, discrimination, and racism against the Jews. This resulted in the mass murder of close to six million Jews. This renewed global efforts aimed at establishing universal human rights.
Another lesson drawn from the Holocaust history, which ignited the need for human rights is the lesson on the consequences resulting from the violation of human rights. From the Holocaust history, it was evident that violation of human rights resulted in inhumanity and suffering, which was uncalled for. On a similar note, the Holocaust history showed that blind loyalty to a leader, stereotyping, abuse of power, and propaganda have detrimental implications. During the Holocaust period, these factors contributed to Hitler’s success in waging genocide against innocent Jews. For this reason, the consequences of the Holocaust made people realize the need for a more humane place for all populations regardless of their racial orientations. The offered a comprehensive platform that led to the evolution of human rights. Overall, the extermination of innocent people by the Nazi Germany shocked the world and this elicited the need for human rights that could guarantee right to life for innocent civilians (Ishay 69).
Apart from the Holocaust history, human rights concerns were elevated to the global level by the events preceding the Second World War. Worth noting is the fact that after the Second World War, officials from countries who were defeated during the war were tried and held responsible for the crimes that were experienced during the second world war. In fact, the trials resulted in the punishing of the connoted countries for crime against peace and humanity, and for war crimes. This marked the start of renewed efforts aimed at establishing universal human rights applicable for countries all around the world. After the Second World War, governments decided to form the United Nations, which was aimed at preventing conflict, and bolstering international peace. This set the stage for the establishment of human rights.
The formation of the United Nations, which occurred after the Second World War attracted various nations who pledged to become member states. In addition, the period after the Second World War experienced the emergence of calls on the need to establish human rights standards, which would protect populations from government abuses. These calls laid further emphasis on the need for standards that could hold nations accountable for any form of treatment accorded to populations residing within their borders. As a result of these calls, member states of the United Nations unanimously pledged to enhance respect for human rights. As a result, drafting of Universal Human Rights documents was initiated. The document spelt out the meaning of freedom, and fundamental rights as enshrined in the document (Moyn 10). This analysis depicts the manner in which the Second World War precipitated the formation of Universal Human Rights.
Conclusion
The scope of human rights may be traced to earlier documents and traditions of various cultures. However, the Second World War, and the Holocaust occurs as the most comprehensive catalyst that ignited the evolution of human rights. These two events elevated human rights concerns to the global level. Historically, populations earned rights by pledging alliance to a certain group. This was also the case with regards to human rights, whereby the formation of the United Nations set the stage for the implementation of human rights for member states populations (Glendon 9). In conclusion, human rights has and continue to play an essential role in curbing the occurrence of atrocities similar to those experienced during the Holocaust and the Second World War.
Work Cited
Glendon, Mary A. A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. New York: Random House, 2001. Print.
Ishay, Micheline. The Human Rights Reader. 2nd Ed. New York: Meridian Book, 2007. Print.
Moyn, Samuel. The Last Utopia: Human Rights in History. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2010. Print.
