Context: The dispensation of Vladimir Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping in China or Kim Jong-un in North Korea completely ignore the pleadings of various governments, taking the moral high ground of an anti-war or a liberal narrative. There is a need to establish the undeniable centrality of human rights in a rapidly changing world that is facing prejudice and fanaticism.

Enforcing Human Rights Norms

Two Paths to Compliance

There are two primary methods of enforcing compliance with human rights norms. The first approach involves economic sanctions or military intervention, which is typically employed by powerful nations. The second strategy relies on forceful condemnation, often carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or smaller nations. While the former requires considerable international clout, the latter can be used by any entity, irrespective of military or economic power.

Barriers from State Sovereignty

The principle of state sovereignty often serves as a significant obstacle to the implementation of international human rights standards. However, moral pressure exerted by global actors can sometimes compel governments to reconsider their actions. Authoritarian regimes like those of Vladimir Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping in China, and Kim Jong-un in North Korea are notable examples of states that largely ignore such international condemnation. Often, this resistance is tied to the political and economic agendas of the governments that are condemning these violations.

The Role of Naming and Shaming

Shaming in Strategic Contexts

Rochelle Terman, a human rights scholar, highlights the importance of contextualising the practice of "naming and shaming." In her study, The Geopolitics of Shaming: When Human Rights Pressure Works — and When It Backfires (Princeton, 2024), Terman analyses the success of publicly identifying and condemning those responsible for human rights abuses. This tactic has, in numerous instances, been an effective deterrent against further violations.

Global Impact of Naming and Shaming

There are countless examples worldwide that demonstrate the power of naming and shaming in holding governments accountable and pushing for human rights reforms. In Myanmar and Ethiopia, such campaigns led to the release of political prisoners, while in Columbia and Argentina, they prompted policy changes to address human rights concerns. International censure led to the prosecution of infamous dictators like Augusto Pinochet, Slobodan Milošević, Charles Taylor, and Alberto Fujimori for crimes against humanity.

Effects on Marginalised Groups

In both traditional and modern cultures, naming and shaming have been instrumental in securing justice for marginalised groups, including ethnic minorities and LGBTQ individuals. Campaigns targeting human rights violators have led to better access to justice, reparations for victims, and increased safeguards for basic human rights.

Challenges of Naming and Shaming

Resistance from Authoritarian Regimes

Despite its successes, the naming and shaming tactic often faces resistance from authoritarian governments. Some nations either deny the allegations or implement only superficial changes. For instance, Israel has largely ignored international condemnation regarding its treatment of Palestine. Similarly, student agitations worldwide against genocide in Palestine or dictatorship in Bangladesh are instances of moral pressure that have faced significant resistance.

The Limitations of Moral Sanctions

A key challenge in enforcing human rights norms through moral pressure is its limitations compared to military or economic sanctions. In many cases, even these more coercive measures fail to produce the desired results, leading to questions about the ultimate efficacy of naming and shaming alone. For example, global organisations such as Amnesty International or the United Nations may publicly condemn violations, but without tangible repercussions, these efforts may have little impact

A New Approach to Human Rights Compliance

Moral Pressure as a Tool for Change

While exposing violators on the global stage can generate awareness, it is not always sufficient to induce real change. One potential solution is to integrate human rights more deeply into the social and democratic fabric of nations. This approach would encourage governments to bridge the gap between power and law by aligning more closely with popular appeals and democratic politics.

Building Stronger Institutions

To achieve this goal, governments must focus on fostering institutions that are committed to upholding democratic norms and protecting basic human rights. Success will depend on the ability of human rights advocates to resist the co-opting of liberal values for political gain, particularly in authoritarian states where propaganda is used to manipulate public opinion.

Fighting for Human Rights in a Prejudiced World

In a world plagued by prejudice, fanaticism, and authoritarianism, the fight for human rights is more critical than ever. Governments must rise to the challenge by respecting free speech, ensuring personal dignity, and upholding the fundamental freedoms of all individuals.

The Role of the State in Protecting Human Rights

State Responsibility and Human Rights

The state has a vital role to play in protecting human rights and ensuring justice for victims of abuse. This responsibility is enshrined in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and governments must view it as both binding and sacred. If a state fails in this regard, resistance movements are likely to gain legitimacy as they seek to defend the public from state persecution or indifference.

Human Rights and Liberal Modernity

The success of human rights initiatives is often tied to the broader context of liberal modernity. In a repression-free state, human rights are respected without bias, and the rule of law is prioritised. However, this ideal is often compromised when the interests of those in power conflict with the promotion of human rights.

Building a Foundation for Human Rights

To strengthen the position of human rights globally, a solid foundation of political coalitions, institutional arrangements, and political ideologies must be mobilised. This is especially important in countries with authoritarian governments, where power dynamics often take precedence over individual rights

Conclusion

In today's rapidly changing world, human rights must be established as an undeniable priority. This is particularly important in liberal systems, where public welfare and egalitarian values are essential for maintaining stability. The future of human rights depends on the collective efforts of governments, activists, and international organisations. By mobilising political and institutional resources, we can work towards a world where human rights are universally respected and enforced, even in the face of authoritarianism and oppression.

Source: The Hindu