Aren’t human rights confrontational, controversial and political?
Human rights are standards which governments themselves have approved and pledged to uphold. Human rights are only as confrontational, controversial or political as the refusal of governments to uphold their own standards. In a growing number of situations the role of human rights is not to confront but to guide governments in setting priorities and adopting policies that will improve the lives of their citizens. Larry Cox, Former Senior Program Officer Ford Foundation It can be, but so can most other issues. The values inherent in human rights are deeply imbedded in the American Constitution, laws and legal structure, and therefore very much reflect the ideals of this nation. Confrontation and controversy are inevitably part of the clash between ideals and reality – but can lead to a more affirmative vision of the world and our place in it. Controversy is always part of social change and we should embrace it and harness it in that spirit. Robert Crane, President JEHT Foundation For ce
