Methods of enforcing human rights

Source: The post methods of enforcing human rights has been created, based on the article “Moral pressure and human rights compliance” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Polity – fundamental rights

Context: The article discusses two methods of enforcing human rights: economic or military sanctions and moral pressure through “naming and shaming.” It examines the effectiveness of shaming as a strategy, especially in authoritarian regimes, and suggests focusing on building democratic institutions to better protect human rights.

What Are the Methods of Enforcing Human Rights?

1. The article outlines two main methods to enforce human rights standards globally. The first method involves economic sanctions or military interventions, which are typically employed by powerful nations.
2. The second method is “naming and shaming,” where governments or organizations publicly condemn violations, a strategy that can be used by any country or group regardless of power.

How Effective is Naming and Shaming?

1. Naming and shaming can sometimes pressure governments to improve their human rights records, as seen in Myanmar and Ethiopia with the release of political prisoners.
2. However, authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-un often ignore such condemnations. Notable successes include legal actions against dictators such as Augusto Pinochet and Slobodan Milošević, showing that international censure can lead to significant consequences.

What are the Challenges with Naming and Shaming?

1. Despite its successes, naming and shaming often fails to bring about substantial change, especially in countries with strong authoritarian governments that can resist or deny international pressure.
   2. This method can result in only superficial changes without addressing deeper issues.

What Role Should the State Play in Protecting Human Rights?

1. The state should act as the primary guardian of human rights, ensuring personal liberty and justice within the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2. Establishing strong institutions to protect democratic norms and uphold human rights is crucial, as suggested by the need for a repression-free state.
3. Naming and shaming can be effective in holding violators accountable, as seen in the prosecution of dictators like Augusto Pinochet.
4. Human rights must be deeply integrated into the national psyche through democratic institutions, promoting long-term respect for human rights.
5. The state must resist authoritarian tendencies, focusing instead on promoting public welfare in an egalitarian environment.

Question for practice:

Examine the effectiveness of “naming and shaming” as a method of enforcing human rights.