Short assignment 4

Student’s Name:
Professor’s Name:
Course:Date
The Concept of Universal Human Rights as Discussed by Jack Donnely
The concept of universal human rights is a contentious one. Its definition and application have been made difficult by the fact that it contains numerous facets that attract debate among stakeholders in the world. Some scholars argue that the mere idea of universal human rights is a reinforcement of the neo-colonialist arguments which obliquely signify Western hegemony over the developing world. However, a more convincing and understandable description of universal human rights has been enumerated by Jack Donnely in his book, “Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice.” One of his major and most relevant arguments is that universal human rights are a potential global reality which requires human intervention to achieve. Therefore, this paper focuses the meaning of this assertion and how Donnely explains it.
Ideally, the contemporary debates surrounding the concept of humanitarian intervention refute suggestions that term universal human rights as unattainable. According to Donney (2007, p.36), “the state is the central institution available for effectively implementing internationally recognized human rights.” In short, universal human rights are an international issue and states are required to put in place mechanisms to incorporate the universally accepted and approved human rights.
In my opinion, the claim by Donnely is relevant and explains the various occurrences in the contemporary society.

Protecting human rights is a responsibility of every individual. Most of us can recall a time they have watched and condemned terrorist attacks on other countries. The most basic universal human right is the right to life, and we have both moral and legal obligation to respect and protect this right. There are many instances in the world that have called for humanitarian intervention by other countries and volunteering individuals, all of which explain why universal human rights are a global reality. For example, in Syria, there have been calls by the international community to resolve the conflict between the government and the rebels. This is mainly because of the numerous violations of human rights that have been witnessed by the wars. Therefore, the humanitarian intervention by countries such as the U.S., Germany, Russia, among other countries, demonstrates why issues of universal human rights are a potential global reality.
Conclusively, the idea that universal human rights are a global reality is relevant to the recent occurrences in the world. In most cases, different countries have come together to condemn certain acts of human rights violations. As stated above, countries have tried their best to resolve the problem with Syria to prevent further violations of human rights. Hence, it is true to say that universal human rights are responsibilities of the world rather than individual countries.
Work Cited
Donnelly, J. (2007). The Relative Universality of Human Rights. Human Rights Quarterly, 29(2), 281-306.