BY: Diane E. Kaye

UNMASKING THE PARADOX OF UNIVERSAL VALUES: REVISITING THE UNIVERSALITY DEBATE IN HUMAN RIGHTS

This paper delves into the concept of Human Rights as intrinsic entitlements of all individuals, regardless of variations such as race and gender. The bedrock of Human Rights is found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a foundational document in International Human Rights, which asserts the universality of these rights. However, the question arises: Can Human Rights genuinely be universal in the absence of a universally shared culture? Against the backdrop of diverse cultures and socioeconomic structures, the imposition of uniform standards appears contentious.

This paper looks at the history and inception of the UDHR and the apparent non-inclusion of Non-Western States in the making of the document and the content and concept of Universality against the backdrop of cultural diversity. The paper also underscores Western Imperialism and its role in eliciting support from Non-Western States who may not have ratified the UDHR otherwise and concludes that the idea of Universality is merely an avenue by Western States to impose their narrow agenda on cultures that differ from them.

In summary, the paper explores the tension between the global applicability of Human Rights, cultural diversity, and perceptions of Western Imperialism. It delves into the origins of the UDHR, the essence of Human Rights, and the impact of cultural diversity, probing whether the universal assertion of Human Rights reflects an imposition of Western ideals on a global scale.