Introduction

The article published in the editorial section of The Hindu Newspaper discusses the enforcement of human rights norms and the challenges associated with it. There are two main ways to enforce human rights: economic sanctions or military intervention, typically by powerful nations, and moral pressure through naming and shaming, often by NGOs or smaller nations. While authoritarian regimes like those in Russia, China, and North Korea often ignore such pressures, naming and shaming can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, such as the release of political prisoners or policy changes in countries like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Argentina.

The article discusses various human rights, particularly those often violated by authoritarian regimes. These include political rights such as free speech, protest, voting, and protection against arbitrary detention. The article highlights the release of political prisoners as a positive outcome of naming and shaming efforts. Civil rights include the right to a fair trial, protection from torture, and life and security.

The article also addresses the rights of marginalized groups, such as ethnic minorities and LGBTQ individuals, highlighting the need for increased safeguards and appreciation of basic human rights. The article also addresses human rights in conflict zones, referring to violations in regions like Palestine and Bangladesh. The article emphasizes the importance of upholding these fundamental human rights, which are enshrined in international human rights frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What is Naming and Shaming?

Naming and shaming is a strategy used to hold individuals, organizations, or governments accountable for their actions by publicly identifying and condemning their wrongdoings. It aims to create moral or social pressure by bringing attention to violations, often with the goal of encouraging them to change their behaviour or policies.

In the context of human rights, naming and shaming involves publicly calling out governments or leaders who violate human rights norms by international organizations, NGOs, other countries, or the media. The hope is that the negative publicity and international condemnation will compel the violators to stop their abuses, improve their human rights records, or face consequences like loss of reputation, economic sanctions, or diplomatic pressure. However, the effectiveness of naming and shaming can vary, with some regimes ignoring the pressure, while others may respond to avoid further damage to their international standing or economic interests.

Article Explanation

The article discusses the various ways in which human rights can be enforced globally, focusing on the challenges and effectiveness of these methods, especially in countries ruled by authoritarian governments.

Two Main Methods of Enforcing Human Rights

Economic Sanctions or Military Enforcement

• One of the primary ways that powerful nations try to enforce human rights is through economic sanctions or military actions. Economic sanctions might involve restricting trade or financial transactions with a country that is violating human rights.
• For instance, if a country is oppressing its citizens, another country might refuse to trade with them until they change their behaviour. Military intervention, though more extreme, could involve direct military action to force a government to stop human rights abuses. However, these approaches are typically only available to powerful nations with significant influence on the global stage.

Naming and Shaming

• The second approach is “naming and shaming,” which involves publicly criticizing and condemning a country or leader for violating human rights. This method doesn’t rely on military or economic power, so it can be used by smaller countries, international organizations, or NGOs. By drawing global attention to the abuses, the goal is to pressure the offending government to change its ways. This strategy relies on moral pressure and the force of global opinion to bring about change, even if the country being criticized is not directly affected by economic or military power.

Challenges with Authoritarian Regimes

• The article highlights that certain governments, especially those led by authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping in China, and Kim Jong-un in North Korea, often ignore international criticism. These leaders prioritize maintaining their power and control over the rights and freedoms of their citizens. They are often resistant to external pressure, particularly when it comes from countries or organizations that they view as having ulterior political or economic motives. In such cases, even the strongest international condemnation may fail to bring about any meaningful change in human rights practices.

The Role and Impact of Naming and Shaming

• Positive Outcomes: Despite its limitations, naming and shaming have shown to be effective in certain situations. For example, in countries like Myanmar and Ethiopia, international campaigns that publicly condemned the government’s actions led to the release of political prisoners.
• In places like Colombia and Argentina, public pressure helped to bring about changes in government policies related to human rights. The article also mentions historical examples, such as the prosecution of dictators like Augusto Pinochet in Chile and Slobodan Milošević in Serbia, where global outrage and condemnation played a significant role in bringing these leaders to justice.
• Failures and Limitations: However, naming and shaming does not always work. Some governments simply refuse to acknowledge the criticisms, deny any wrongdoing, or make only superficial changes that do not address the root of the problem.
• The article gives the example of Israel, where international calls for human rights compliance have had little impact on the government’s policies. In other cases, like student protests against the genocide in Palestine or the dictatorship in Bangladesh, the moral pressure exerted by these movements does not necessarily lead to immediate change, but it does contribute to raising awareness and keeping the issue in the global spotlight.

The Effectiveness of Naming and Shaming

• The article raises the question of whether naming and shaming is truly effective, especially when more forceful measures like military intervention or economic sanctions often fail to achieve their goals. It suggests that merely exposing a country’s violations on the global stage might not be enough to bring about lasting change, especially in cases where the country’s leadership is deeply entrenched in power and resistant to external influence.

Building Stronger Human Rights Foundations

• The article argues that for human rights to be genuinely respected and upheld, they must be deeply embedded in a country’s social and democratic institutions. This means that rather than relying solely on external pressure, countries should cultivate a strong internal commitment to human rights. Governments need to bridge the gap between power and law, ensuring that human rights are central to their political ideologies and practices.
• The success of this approach depends on how effectively the forces that oppose liberal values and human rights can be challenged. The article warns that authoritarian governments often use propaganda and manipulation to undermine liberal ideas, and it calls for a strong, principled response to these tactics. Human rights must be supported by a nation’s internal structures, including its legal and social systems, to ensure that they are upheld even in the face of opposition.

The Global Context and the State’s Role in Upholding Human Rights

• The article emphasizes that we live in a world where prejudice, fanaticism, and authoritarianism are prevalent. In many countries, governments oppress their people, deny them basic freedoms, and ignore their dignity. The responsibility to protect and restore human rights falls on the state, which should align its policies and functions with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This involves creating an environment of peace, tolerance, and understanding where human rights are respected and protected.
• If a state fails to uphold human rights, resistance from civil society becomes more legitimate. Activism and public pressure can play a crucial role in defending the rights of individuals against state persecution or neglect. Achieving meaningful progress in human rights requires a state that is free from repression, where laws and policies are applied fairly and without bias. For this to happen, the ruling parties must prioritize human rights as a fundamental aspect of their political ideology, supported by a deep moral commitment.
• The article concludes by stressing the importance of establishing human rights as a central and undeniable part of any society, particularly in liberal systems that promote public welfare and stability. To achieve this, there must be a concerted effort to build a strong foundation for human rights, supported by political coalitions, institutional arrangements, and ideologies that hold violators accountable and ensure justice for victims. Unfortunately, this centrality is often absent in authoritarian regimes like those in North Korea and China, as well as in many countries with right-wing governments where power is prioritized over rights and democracy.

---

Join our telegram channel for regular updates of The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation-https://t.me/Thehindueditorialexplanation

The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation given by Hello Student is only a supplementary reading to the original article to make things easier for the students.

In conclusion, preparing for exams in India can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, success is within reach. Remember, consistent study habits, effective time management, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming any academic challenge. Utilize the tips and techniques shared in this post to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence. Stay focused, stay motivated, and don’t forget to take care of your well-being. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your academic goals and pave the way for a bright future. Good luck!

The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.

This may also be useful for exams like CUET UG and CUET PG, GATE, GMAT, GRE AND CAT

To read this article in Hindi –https://bhaarat.hellostudent.co.in/

Read More- https://hellostudent.co.in/migrants-toil-the-hindu-editorial/