ASU The Definition of Human Rights Discussion

Each of the readings from this week highlight the different usages of the term “human rights.” As we know, human rights holds varying definitions and values depending on a geological locations. Firstly, in our reading Eurocentric and Third- World Histories of Human Rights, we study the term relating to the Holocaust stating “we would be living now in a post-Holocaust human rights culture” (Barreto, 2018, p. 163). The usage of the term in context of the Holocaust is to divide society of pre human rights and post human rights (before and after the Holocaust). Suggesting the implications and barbarity of the Holocaust would result in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This definition relies on the fact that European (political) events shape human rights.

Secondly, in Who Speaks for the “Human” in Human Rights? Mignolo states “If someone else wants to use human rights they must specify what kind of human he or she is” (2013, p. 56). This usage portrays human rights as an exclusive tool to which not everyone is able to access. Despite being human, you are not qualified to use human rights until a more vulnerable adjective is placed before the term “human.” This meaning can be troublesome as the implications negatively affect society and overall objectives of humanitarianism.

Lastly, also in Who Speaks for the “Human” in Human Rights?, Mignolo states “The question of human rights emerges here as a place in which the so call ‘democratic and industrialized’ states use the rhetoric of human rights violations to confront their economic rivals” (2013, p. 61). The usage of the term in this context highlights the harsh reality of a capitalist system. In this context, human rights is used as cover or a tool in another parties economic gain. In this usage, we see the implications of the intersection of politics and human rights.

Overall, throughout the readings, we are shown the different societal affects on the term “human rights.” Unfortunately the term can be molded the fit the current needs of a government or organization resulting in the opposite of the terms desired affects.