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Do you know about human rights violation?

In this article you will read about human rights violations and human rights issues of the world.

Major human rights violations as well as the definition of human rights will be looked at.

What are Human Rights?

Human rights are the basic rights that we have by simply existing as human beings.
It is not something that is granted by outsiders.

Human rights were adopted from The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) set by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1948.

In addition, UDHR was the first document that mentioned fundamental　human rights.

Furthermore, human rights cannot be disturbed or restricted from the outside.

The UN demands countries to protect individuals and groups from human rights violations.

Reference “Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the United Nations”

Where do you Report Human Rights Violation?

Human rights violations are reported to the UN.
Individual communications and state-to-state complaints can be made to The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

The UN treaty bodies （CCPR、CERD、CAT、CEDAW、CRPD、CED、CMW、CESCR、CRC） may review individual complaints or inquires.

The UN states that to report a human rights violation, it must be provided as follows:

All communications must be in one of the official UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish. Complaints must include basic information of the person reporting (name, nationality, date of birth, address, and email address), and specify the intended State.

Reference :”Frequently asked questions – OHCHR”

Human rights violation can also be reported by a third-party.

However, this only applies if the third-party has provided a written consent.

Alternatively, a State party is permitted to report alleged treaty violations of another State party to the relevant treaty body.
Some countries or organizations have Human Rights Committees set up.

In these cases, one may report a complaint to said Human Rights Committees.

Reference : “Human Rights Bodies – Complaints Procedures – OHCHR”

Human Rights Violation in the World

There are many types of human rights violations.

The following problems that are recognized as human rights instruments will be addressed.

• Rights of Women
• Rights of the Child
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Rights of Older Persons

Human Rights Violation of Women

Here are some examples of human rights violation of women:

• Here are some examples of human rights violation of women:
• Domestic violence
• Sexual violence
• Low wages
• Lack of access to education
• Lack of access to healthcare
• Sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination

On the other hand, there are new movements such as the #MeToo campaign that highlights the spread of gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

The UN has also stated the following on women’s human rights.

“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human rights, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Reference : “Gender equality and women’s empowerment – the United Nations”

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination has been drawn up as well.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination has been drawn up as well.

Reference：”Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination – OHCHR”

Child Rights Violation

Millions of children are unable to have access to education.
There are many who work under dangerous conditions for extended hours.
Others may be forced into armed groups to become child soldiers.
Here are examples of some child rights violations.

• Child marriage
• Child labor
• Lack of access to education
• Child soldiers
• Lack of access to clean water
• Female genital mutilation
• Lack of access to healthcare

Reference : “7 CHILD RIGHTS VIOLATIONS THAT NEED TO STOP – NOW!　- PLAN INTERNATIONAL CANADA”

The UN takes measures against child rights violations such as those mentioned above.

Measures include the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child states the below in the preamble.

“Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nation, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity,”

Reference : “Convention on the Rights of the Child – OHCHR”

From this extract, the UN’s engagement in tackling child rights violation is evident.

Human Rights Violation for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities often face discriminations and barriers that limit equal participation within society.

The below is a list of rights for persons with disabilities that are violated.

• To be included in the general school system or workplace
• To live independently in a community
• To vote
• To participate in sport and cultural activities
• To participate in sport and cultural activities
• To access justice
• To choose medical treatment
• To enter freely into legal commitments (e.g., buying and selling property)

As the above shows, there are many occasions in where rights for persons with disabilities are violated.
The UN has enacted a treaty on these rights.
The awareness of rights violation against persons with disabilities is spreading with the UN at the core.

Reference : “Human Rights of persons with disabilities – OHCHR”

Human Rights Violation for Victims of Crime

Human Rights Violation for Victims of Crime
It is important to consider human rights for victims of crime and their families.

Victims may suffer defamation and disruption in their private lives due to rumors and slander.

This leads to the violation of human rights for victims of crime and their families.

To prevent such violations, the UN drew the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power”.

In this declaration, the following is stated.

“States should consider incorporating into the national law norms proscribing abuses of power and providing remedies to victims of such abuses. In particular, such remedies should include restitution and/or compensation, and necessary material, medical, psychological and social assistance and support.”

Reference : “Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power – OHCHR”

In this way, the UN has taken initiative in seeking support and relief for victims of crime.

Human Rights Violation of Older Persons

Millions of older people in the world are experiencing human rights violation.

The population of people over the age of 60 is increasing at an unprecedented rate.

It is said that in a few years, the number of senior citizens will pass a billion.

According to the Human Rights Watch, these are the main human rights violations of older persons.

• Age-based discrimination
• Age-based discrimination
• Age-based discrimination
• Neglect in refugee camps
• Barriers to healthcare

Reference：”Rights of Older People – Human Rights Watch”

In 1991, the UN also announced the Unites Nations Principles for Older Persons.

In these principles the below is stated.

“Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution”

Reference：”United Nations Principles for Older Persons – OHCHR”

The UN encourages the elderly to participate in society as well as prevent human rights violation against them.

Reference : “Human rights of older persons- OHCHR”

What are the Standards of Human Rights Violation?

As claimed by the UN, human rights are the rights within social, cultural, economic and political situations that is recognized internationally.

Therefore, it can be said that human rights violation occurs when said rights are not practiced.

For more details, please refer back to the section, “ What are Human Rights Violations of the World?”

Reference : “Human Rights – the United Nations”

Are Human Rights Violations Happening Now?

In the world, human rights violation is taking place presently.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected racial and ethnic minorities such as the Black/African American and the Hispanic/Latino communities disproportionately.

For example, in Myanmar it created political problems as well.

Rohingyas were forced to leave Myanmar.

Even though they want to stay in Myanmar.

This is due to the military’s genocidal attack against them which is a direct violation of human rights.

Reference : “Remember the Rohingya ‘forced to run for their lives’ – the United Nations”

Reference : “World Report 2021: United States – Human Rights Watch”

Let’s Eliminate Human Rights Violation

Human rights violation is the abuse of rights humans are born with.
Mistreatment of these are unforgiveable.
In order to learn about human rights violation, it is crucial to understand the standard of human rights.