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The World Today - Aug/Sept issue
29 July 2008
As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaches its sixtieth anniversary, this month's The World Today looks at the status of human rights worldwide.
Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 2004-8, writes that while there may be much to celebrate, the goal of making human rights truly universal is far from being achieved.
Profound and deepening divisions between rich and poor, a security environment that exposes minorities to additional risks, and an expanded UN membership, have all amplified and exacerbated cultural, religious and political divisions especially on issues such as human rights.
Against this background of shifting interests and values, in the name of which, all too often, discrimination is perpetrated, international human rights law provides the best, most reliable and fairest guide for managing and protecting multiple identities.
The task now is not only to prompt states to give real effect to human rights but also to create a constituency for the middle ground where different national and regional interests, concerns and experiences can meet, be reconciled and directed to honour the purpose of the Universal Declaration. This will ensure future generations are better equipped to uphold the Declaration's universal principles. Read article.
Full list of contents:
Human Rights Anniversary: Without Want or Fear
Louise Arbour
China and Human Rights: Power to the People
Kerry Brown
Rights in Africa: Why Africa?
Bonita C. Meyersfield
Children's Rights: Young and Vulnerable
Mary Buckley
Islam and Human Rights: In the Name of Islam
Maha Azzam
United States and Human Rights: Ending Lapse into Lawlessness
Kenneth Roth
US Presidential Election: Choice or Echo?
Robert Singh
UN and EU Terrorist Blacklists: I've Got a Little List
Monika Heupel
Book Review: Punishing the Wicked
David Bentley
Ukraine and NATO: Destination Unknown
James Sherr
Angola Elections: Back to Ballots
Indira Campos
Politically-Capped Reserves: Let the Oil Flow?
Daniel Litvin
Securing Electricty: Blackout
Bill Durodié
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