The United Nations Human Rights System, Research Paper Example

In reading about human rights around the world, one might be surprised — and definitely cheered — to learn that there are any strengths at all. But there are many at least apparent strengths to match the certain weaknesses (Jacobsen).  In fact, we can quickly summarize both the good and the bad by looking at various publications distributed by the UN on the specifics of human rights. Some are subdivided into economic, social, and cultural rights (Fact sheet 33); and those that deal with the right to adequate food (Fact sheet 34) and water (Fact sheet 35).

The UN defines human rights as rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status (NGLS). One guide by the UN lists eight specific treaty bodies (including a Human Rights Committee) that cover topics ranging from general social and cultural rights; rights for women, children, and migrant workers; and protection from torture and racial discrimination (ISHR). From this we can see how overwhelmingly aspirational the UN’s perceived strengths are. Its rights and guarantees are drawn from the headlines that tell us of abuses of all these rights and guarantees. However, to aspire to something is a first step. To get a sense of how close to or far away from its human rights goals the UN actually is can be seen by considering how much progress has been made for human rights in the First World. Although tremendous progress has been made, much work remains. The goal is to make equitable wealth-creation possible. There are places — pockets and regions — that simply cannot yet afford human rights for all or any.

Works Cited

Fact Sheet 33. Frequently Asked Questions on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Fact Sheet. Geneva: High Commissioner for Human Rights, n.d. Document.

Fact Sheet 34. The Right to Adequate Food. Fact Sheet. Geneva: High Commissioner for Human Rights, n.d. Document.

Fact Sheet 35. The Right to Water. Fact Sheet. Geneva: High Commissioner for Human Rights, n.d. Document.

Jacobsen, Anette Faye. Spot On: Universal Periodic Review. Non-governmental. Copenhagen: Danish Institute for Human Rights, 2010. Document.

NGLS. The United Nations Human Rights System: How To Make It Work for You . Governmental. New York: United Nations, 2008. Document.

ISHR. Simple Guide to the UN Treaty Bodies. Guide. Geneva: International Service for Human Rights, 2010. Document.