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POL 252 Exam 3

Terms in this set (47)

Components of the International Bill of Rights
-international covenant on Civil and Poltical Rights (1966)
-International covenant of Economic Social and Cultural Rights (1966)
-UDHR- Universal Declaration on Human Rights
Universal Declaration for Human Rights (UDHR)
-non-binding, different from treaty
-adapted by UN general assembly on december 10th, 1948
-establishes principle that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and in rights
-describes range of civil and political rights as well as a range of economic social and cultural rights
-provided foundation for further development of international human rights law in subsequent decades
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
-defines and protects civil and political rights, including the right to vote, freedoms of speech, belief, association, physical integrity rights
-some were super devoted during cold war, others not.
-2 optional protocols:
--First optional protocol allows individuals to petition the Human Rights Committee (1966)
--Second Optional Protocol (1989) promotes abolition of the death penalty
-US has never signed and ratified before because not enough consensus that there are economic and social rights
International covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights
-Soviet Union downplayed liberty rights But pushed this one-why there are 2 different treaties
-defines/protects range of rights, including rights to food, education, work, health
-principle of progressive realization
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
a process for a periodic review of the human rights records of al members states of the UN (193 countries) to help advance the implementation of human rights law worldwide
-established 2007-2008
-report/monetary mechanism to hold countries responsible for respecting and protecting HR
-4 year review cycles: every member state is reviewed
-government must prepare a report for country explaining what its doing to uphold and promote the UDHR
-this isn't enough because they could lie if they have something to hide
-So HR council uses other independent reporter from UNHCR or fact finding missions or civil society groups that report foundation of next review during next cycle
-never goes longer than 4 years
-1940s-2006 HR commission did good work- significant but members included, some of the worst violations of human rights- so replaced with the council because because of conflicts of interest- entity changed with promotion, protection of HR lead to credibility problems- when its supposed to be watch dog yet causing HR damage. HR council reports to general assembly instead of ECOSOC now- not perfect but process to remove countries shouldn't be on the council (responsible for UPR)
Treaty Bodies
committees of experts tasked w/monitoring the implementation of HR treaties- each treaty creates its own committee
ex- HR committee, Committee against torture, committee on migrant workers
-size of each ranges 10-23 members
-receive and consider reports by state parties
--reporting cycle (some every 4, some every 5 years)
--Review procedures consider human rights situation in country in absence of a report
--this really specialized in depth report
-some can receive complaints or communications from individuals, and some can launch inquiries or allow state to state complaints- procedures optional for state parties (ex- CAT says any form of it is unacceptable, not enough details for gov to have clear guidance so this works for this- solitary confinement inflicting psych distress does it can't- job is to clarify (general comments)
-focuses on state's government implementing a specific human rights focus versus UPR which is general and full spectrum
-ECOSOC say everyone has right to food/general rec clarifies that government doesn't have to provide the food, but they have to have policies in place that make sure individuals can access food
Human Rights Special Procedures
UNHRC- either 1 expert/small group in a specific issue area or specific country prepare reports and fact finding when worrisome/salient of an issue or country where UN feels it needs special attention
Country mandates- 12 currently
--North Korea, Syria, Iran: sometimes if super serious violations UN starts this procedures
-Thematic Mandates (44 currently): procedures focusing on HR issues specifically, Human Trafficking for ex, or the right to education or food
Areas of UN Reform
-UNSC Reform
-Administrative Reform
hopes to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness
-viewed as a process (not an event, its ongoing because as the world changes the UN also has to adjust)
UNSC Reform
-major reforms requiring Charter amendments
-in over 75 years there have not been more than 2 charter amendments
-1963: expand UN Security Council from 11 to 15
-1971: expand membership of ECOSOC from 27 to 54 so not impossible, but really politically difficult
Administrative Reform
-focused on management, coordination, and on enhancing transparency and accountability
-can be implemented by the Secretariat, the UN General Assembly, or other bodies/actors without charter amendment
Why reform is difficult
deep political divisions between different groups of states w/in UN, political ideas and funding are tough
Representation reform
-security council membership = voting (UN currently stuck in power dynamics of 1945), expansion difficult- would new permanent got veto, and some entire world regions left out of and this can block so much action if can all if can all use it , perhaps give permanent seats to Africa and Latin America
-NGOs- UN has increased partnerships w/NGOs, should they have higher stature in system because of how important they are
Institutional Capacity and Effectiveness
-substantive issues: not that UN not doing it, we just need more, how can we ensure it has the capacity, need organization that is strong with leadership and has resources
--sustainable development
--peacebuilding
--human rights
-Administrative Issues- to enhance organizational strength like creating OCHA
-financial issues- funding is not enough, UN only 2.6 billion of 1476 Bill Budget infographic- the world is over armed and peace is underfunded (say they want to contribute to HR and peace but that is not reflected in their spending so that needs to shift to reflect their stated values)
UN Women's work for gender equality
thinking about women's issues shaped by work of a # of UN organs
-commission on the status of women:
--advocated political suffrage for women
--helped generate data about the status of women (helps make informed choices and see problems you didn't know existed)
--helped draft DEDAW (later CEDAW) stopping all forms of discrimination against women
-Economic Commission for Africa:
--researched the role of women in development in the 1960s, long before this issue became an important part of debate and policy surrounding development
-UNESCO:
--UN Education and Scientific Cultural Organization- highlighted critical role of women in development and peace, drew attention to their in-access to education
Mexico City Women's Conference
-data collection and analysis (advancement)
-created UNIFEM (now UN Women) and INSTRAW
-sparked creation of national women's policy agencies
-started negotiations to move towards CEDAW
-helped foster solidarity and cooperation and develop a political identity among members of women's constituency
copenhagen (1980) and Nairobi (1985)
discussion of status in context of poverty, economic crisis and structural adjustment and north/south relations at Nairobi Conference
CEDAW Convention
-established importance of non-discrimination
-established that discrimination can include private acts
-it made prejudices, customary practices, role stereotypes illegitimate
-established importance of equality of outcomes (as opposed to just formal equality)
UN Women Today
-peace and security
-among other measures, security council resolution 1325- adopted in 2000
--for inclusion of women in decision-making processes pertaining to issue of conflict , peace, and security
--special attention to the needs of women and girls caught in midst of conflict
--incorporation of a gender perspective and expansion of women's participation in post-conflict initiatives and processes, peacekeeping, conflict, prevention, peace initiatives
--women had been very left out of the discussions, mere presence of women can help civilians who dealt with abuse in wartime
--3ps= prevention, protection, participation
-without women at the table discussing gender based violence, needs will be neglected
Examples of UN Women
-Meidterranean Network- Italy- created to bring together women, focused on Libya and Cyprus- 1st real effort to bring women to the table, trying to foster leadership amongst women in peace processes (peacemaking, peacekeeping missions)
-1992-2014: women only 13% negotiators, 3% mediators = very clear unequal representation of women

Mexico city= women's violence and UN is trying to raise awareness through ad campaign and working with city officials to address these issues of harassment.
Challenges of the Next Decade
-climate change
-strengthening global governance in a multipolar world
-supporting fragile states and preventing failure of weak states
-balancing regionalism w/globalization
-addressing development inequalities
-responding to population growth and migration
-bridging divides of cultures and identities
-shifting the focus of security from states to individuals- R2P, disarmament
-linking culture, human rights, human security and development- complex interrelationships
-improving the quality of education
climate change
effect on poverty and food security as well (environmental issue plus), could reverse gains on access to food and water, storm activity is stronger = damage on lives is devastating
strengthening global governance in a multipolar world
-this can make the world more peaceful
-giving everyone a place at the table to give interests
-power is now located in many places- it is more dispersed versus it being just us v. soviet union pre cold war
-manage this transition well for peace
supporting fragile states and preventing failure of weak states
fragile states = states without monopoly over legitimate use of force and/or cannot provide basic services.

-there's a lot of at risk fragile states
-creates forced displacement, not having practical sovereignty, security issue-become safe havens for international criminal network- like hacking and human trafficking groups (no law and order so criminal networks thrive)
-about 30-50 countries at risk of failure
balancing regionalism w/globalization
finding the balance between the public and the private sectors
-unfettered globalization with no government control will leave a lot of people behind- so its important to not leave everything to the private sectors- need government to instill and make sure they are being fair
addressing development inequalities
-morally compelling and can address other problems like violence and terrorism
-people still have easily curable diseases
responding to population growth and migration
-environmental pressures, climate change, and international and internal migration
-in india, middle class is growing, more purchasing power and rates of consumerism at a high, would can't keep up with resources needed to do this = makes it difficult to work on climate change
-migration from rural to city --> people finding themselves in urban slums
-people leaving for escape - but now no one is letting them in
bridging divides of cultures and identities
-religious conflict within states
-different cultures/religions don't know much about anyone but their own and this leads to misconceptions, animosity, and resentment
shifting the focus of security from states to individuals- R2P, disarmament
-shift in favor of of human security
linking culture, human rights, human security and development- complex interrelationships
-these are all complex and need greater understanding
improving the quality of education
-fostering global understanding, tolerance, and would be new curriculum goals, and a culture of peace
-go beyond the basics of literacy
-teachers need greater qualifications, supplies and salaries
-improving quality of facility
human security
focus on global issues (poverty, disease, environmental threats, etc)
-individuals and groups as objects of security versus states
-"we stress the right of people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair. We recognize that all individuals in particular vulnerable people, are entitled to freedom from fear and freedom from want, with an equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential
-encompasses freedom from fear, freedom from want, and freedom to live in dignity
-emphasizes issues like climate change, human trafficking, and transnational organizational crime, violence, food, etc.
dimensions of human security
-it is a response to contemporary and emerging threats that are transnational (across countries), complex, and interconnected
-shifts the focus of security to the protection and empowerment of individuals
-does not imply using force and promotes preventative measures
7:
-economic security
-food security
-health security
-environmental security
-personal security
-community security
-political security
why it is helpful to think about global issues in terms of human security
because it encompasses the issues outside of military action and threat- it is important to include these threats that humans are facing on a daily basis. The things that people are fearing daily get attention through action that includes this personal/individual level of security
example of human security
UN Trust Fund for Human Security- lots of research and project funding that allows us to get at these issues

Pakistan 2010- flooding, left people with basically nothing - but UN has really been helping to increase the resilience of these countries, prevent total devastation in cases of disaster
--training in building infrastructure, sewing, First aid, managing money- lots of training for women, UN joint project- benefitting 64,000 people, enterprises being set up, irrigation improved access, better education
human development
-one of the most innovative and comprehensive of UN idea, early attempt by the ILO in the 1970s to formulate a coherent vision of a people-focused development strategy. Did not gain traction because of the rise of the neoliberal economic model and SAPs in the 1980s. It emphasized basic needs:
--minimum requirements for private consumption (food, shelter, etc)
--essential services (safe water, sanitation, healthcare, education)
--participation in decision-making, human rights

includes access to resources for health and education, human rights and political freedom, choices/capabilitites to pursue what each individual values- what human being can be and do instead of what they possess
why is human development distinctive
focus on social development versus economic development. Focus on what human beings can be and do instead of what they possess
why is human development useful
gives empowerment- giving people rights and opportunities to get out of poverty
-helps us look at development more holistically, teaches us that economic development does not indicate human development is in good standing
-
example using human development
-Human Development Index- life expectancy at birth, education- mean of years of schooling for adults aged 25 years and expected years of schooling for children of school entering age, GNI per capita (PPP US$)

GII- gender inequality index:
-empowerment (% share of parliamentary seats and higher ed attainment levels)
-health (maternal mortality ratio and adolescent fertility rate)
-labor (women's participation in the work force)

US = 13 HDI, 41 GII
Australia = 3 HDI, 23 GII

Vietnam:
GNI per capita = 5,859
HDI = 116
life expectancy = 76.5

vs.

Saudi Arabia
GNI per capita = 49,680
HDI = 39th
life expectancy = 74.7
SDGs
world leaders adopted these a few months before MDGs were to expire, filled with a sense of excitement to reduce poverty and such by 2030
-17 goals
1. end poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
8. build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and further innovation
9. reduce inequality within and among countries
10. make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable
11. ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
12. take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
13. conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development
14. protect, restore, promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable managing forests, combat deforestation, half and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss
15. promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable inclusive institutions at all development levels
16. strengthen means of implementation and revitalize global partnership for sustainable development
17. ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
how SDGs are different than the MDGs
lots of lessons learned from MDGS, environment needs to be taken more seriously with the SDGs, so it is more involved as it is no longer and after thought with the interconnections it has with poverty and world hunger

MDGs were really only for the developing countries, but SDGs are universal goals, they are all connected to each other and contribute to each other as well.
We are all in this together, things won't change unless we are all on the same page
-experiences with the MDGs led to draft on SDGs.
Economic security
persistent poverty/unemployment
food security
access to enough calories/nutrients for the day
health security
lack of access to healthcare, sanitation/waste disposal, clean water
environmental security
clean air, resource depletion- oceans overfished
personal security
crime, robbery, harassment, gang violence
community security
religious or ethnic tensions, divided among those lines
political security
free from repression and HR abuses from the government
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