Research - HUQUQ

Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments

In “Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments,” Kenneth Roth, the former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), provides an introspective account of his nearly thirty-year tenure with the organization. Roth’s memoir not only serves as a chronicle of HRW’s evolution into a prominent force in the human rights arena but also as a defense of his strategies and choices amid widespread criticism. In addition to the book content, this review draws upon other materials that critique the book’s narrative, depth, and implications, presenting a balanced view of Roth’s ambitious endeavor. Roth’s leadership transformed HRW from a modest organization into a powerful entity, capable of influencing international discourse on human rights. He recounts a series of significant events, from the Kurdish genocide to the abuses in Syria, highlighting the impactful role of HRW’s researchers and advocates. This portrayal aligns with some observers’ assertion that Roth approached human rights violations with an unwavering commitment to exposing the truth, relying heavily on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis. His forensic style—developed during his time as a prosecutor—shapes the narrative, allowing Roth to dissect complex situations with precision. However, this narrative is juxtaposed with a critique of Roth’s selective focus, particularly regarding Israel. For isntance, the absence of chapters detailing human rights abuses in Iran, raising concerns about a perceived bias that favors certain narratives while sidelining others. Roth’s tendency to frame issues in black-and-white terms—good versus evil—risks oversimplifying the multifaceted nature of global human rights advocacy. By neglecting […]

Do the violations associated with the war in Gaza amount to a Genocide

HUQUQ Editors Comments on Rights, International humanitarian Law, Research Notes Gaza Genocide, Genocide 0

by Amanda Nelson The term “Gaza genocide” refers to allegations and findings that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. These allegations have been made by various United Nations bodies, human rights organizations, and experts. United Nations Findings: The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) has concluded that Israel has committed at least three of the constitutive acts of genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Statements by high-level Israeli military and government officials have been cited as evidence of genocidal intent 1. The UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza are consistent with the characteristics of genocide 1. International Court of Justice (ICJ): On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the ICJ, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ issued provisional measures on January 26, 2024, ordering Israel to prevent the commission of acts within Article II of the Genocide Convention and to ensure that Israeli military forces do not commit any of these acts 1. Human Rights Organizations: Amnesty International has concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Their report documents the systematic destruction of essential infrastructure, including universities, schools, mosques, churches, museums, and libraries 23. Human Rights Watch and other rights organizations have also accused Israel […]

The Perils of Individualism

HUQUQ Research Team Comments on Rights Individualism, Supremacism 0

How Rooting Human Rights in Individualism Fuels Supremacism and Atrocity by Demhas The modern conception of human rights is often rooted in individualism—placing the individual at the center of moral, political, and legal consideration. While individualism has undeniably contributed to personal freedoms and autonomy, an extreme focus on the individual can lead to dangerous distortions. Among these distortions, supremacism emerges as a byproduct of unchecked individual entitlement, and history has shown that supremacism is a powerful driver of human rights atrocities. At its core, individualism champions self-interest, autonomy, and personal achievement. While these values can encourage creativity and progress, they also risk fostering an exaggerated sense of self-importance and entitlement. When individuals or groups internalize the idea that their rights and desires take precedence over those of others, a supremacist mindset can take root. Supremacism—whether based on race, nationality, religion, or ideology—relies on the belief that certain individuals or groups are inherently superior and therefore justified in exerting control over others. History provides numerous examples where supremacist ideologies, deeply intertwined with extreme individualist thinking, have led to some of the worst human rights violations. Colonialism, for instance, was largely driven by the belief that European individuals had a superior right to land, resources, and governance over indigenous populations. Similarly, racial segregation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing have often been justified by supremacist narratives that elevate certain groups above others, leading to systematic oppression and violence. The 20th century bore witness to extreme individualist and supremacist ideologies culminating in mass atrocities. The […]

A new paradigm for defining and promoting human rights

HUQUQ Research Team Systems Thinking Framework, History, Law, Medicine, Philosophy, Sociology Systems Thinking 0

by Ema Paskevicius Although the concept of human rights suggests that every individual is entitled to certain basic human rights, how exactly are they upheld in various circumstances? The answers to these questions are often proposed by researchers, scholars, and professionals in various academic disciplines and professional areas of expertise. In this research note, we will consider whether there is an academic discipline of “human rights”, the meaning of “human rights”, and how the systems thinking framework could potentially bridge the gap between the various definitions of human rights proposed by scholars in various disciplines to advance the aims of human rights. Academic disciplines and human rights Academic discipline can be best defined as a distinct branch of knowledge that bases its main ideas on a particular area of study. Academic disciplines help us organize the vast range of human knowledge into certain categories, such as humanities, social sciences, and scientific disciplines. Humanities focuses on the study of human culture, which can include subcategories such as language, philosophy, literature, and art. In terms of their applications to human rights standards, philosophers, for example, may analyze and theorize concepts underlying human rights such as justice and equality. They may ask abstract questions that surround their fundamental principles such as – What are the moral obligations to adequately uphold human rights? How do human rights differ from a universal versus a cultural perspective? Philosophers tend to work on a more theoretical level, where they explore political ideologies, ethical guidelines, and legal frameworks […]

The Wrongs that Made Rights Possible: From Rights to Human Rights

HUQUQ Research Team Introduction to Human Rights, Education, Teaching Atrocities, Declarations, Treaties, UDHR 0

The concept of human rights has undergone a profound transformation over centuries, evolving from the notion of rights granted by royal decree and national constitutions to the declaration of universal rights most of which were eventually enshrined in international law in the form of treaties and conventions. This transition reflects both humanity’s growing understanding of inherent human dignity and the egregious abuse that forced human beings to aspire to do better. The journey from citizen or subject rights to universal human rights has been shaped by historical events, philosophical thought, and the need to address egregious atrocities that have occurred throughout human’s existence. Historically, rights were often tied to subjecthood or citizenship within a specific country or nation-state. In ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, rights were granted to citizens but excluded slaves, women, and foreigners. Similarly, in feudal Europe, rights were hierarchical, with monarchs and nobility enjoying privileges denied to most of the population. From ancient royal decrees, like the one that produced the code of Hammurabi (1754 BCE) to the Magna Carta (1215 CE) and the English Bill of Rights (1689 CE) marked early steps toward limiting arbitrary power and recognizing certain rights, but these were still confined to specific groups within a kingdom or a country. Spurred by the abuses at the hands of the Crown and Cross, thinkers of the Western world educated themselves about the achievements of ancient civilizations during the Renaissance and began to emerge out of the Dark Ages. The Enlightenment era […]

Did Trump implicate US government and himself in crimes when he stated his intent to remove the people of Gaza and take over their land?

Research Assistants Comments on Rights Colonialism, Deportation and Populations Transfer, Genocide, Indigenous peoples Rights, Sovereign Immunity, State Crime 0

Anyone with a general understanding of international law, human rights norms, and historical precedents would recoil at the suggestion that a community be forcibly relocated to other countries while their land is seized by another nation-state. When such statements come from the leader of the world’s most powerful nation, they are cause for serious concern. To grasp the gravity of such remarks, it’s essential to consider the historical, legal, and political context behind them. In 2010, highly respected journalist Helen Thomas faced significant backlash after making a controversial statement suggesting that Jews who had migrated to Israel should return to their countries of origin. While speaking to Rabbi David Nesenoff at the White House during a Jewish Heritage event, she stated that Jews in Israel should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to places like Poland, Germany, and the United States. Her remarks were widely criticized as anti-Semitic and historically insensitive, given the long history of Jewish persecution in those countries. The consequences went beyond mere criticism—Thomas’s life and career were profoundly transformed. A prominent White House correspondent and columnist for decades, she abruptly retired from her position at Hearst Newspapers following the incident, effectively ending her career in journalism. In addition to losing the job she had excelled at for decades, several organizations rescinded the awards and honors she had previously received. Her comments dominated the news cycle for weeks, drawing widespread condemnation from political figures, media outlets, and advocacy groups, particularly Jewish organizations. Thomas later […]

The History of Deporting Migrants Out of the USA and Its Conflict with Human Rights Treaties

Research Assistants Comments on Rights Deportation and Populations Transfer, Migration 0

Introduction: The United States has a long and complex history of deporting migrants, a practice that has often sparked significant controversy and raised questions about its compliance with international human rights standards. From the early 20th century to the present day, U.S. deportation policies have evolved in response to shifting political, economic, and social landscapes. However, many of these policies have conflicted with human rights treaties, particularly those addressing the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. This article explores the history of deportations in the U.S. and examines how these actions have often clashed with international human rights obligations. Early Deportation Practices (18th and 19th Centuries) The origins of deportation in the United States can be traced back to the late 18th century. The Naturalization Act of 1798, part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, allowed the federal government to deport non-citizens deemed “dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.” This early legislation was primarily aimed at political dissidents and reflected the young nation’s anxieties about foreign influence. While these early laws were primarily aimed at political dissidents, they set a precedent for using deportation as a tool of control. During the 19th century, deportation was not a widespread practice, as the country’s open immigration policies encouraged the arrival of millions of Europeans to support industrialization and westward expansion. However, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 marked a significant turning point. This law, the first to restrict immigration based on nationality, prohibited Chinese laborers from entering […]

Remembering Their Names

Research Assistants Journal Attacks against Journalists, Journalism 0

An Exploration of the Growing Epidemic of Wrongful Imprisonment of Journalists by Brianna Bohling-Hall Abstract: This research note is about arrested, detained, or imprisoned journalists around the world as documented in major databases. In it, I examine the demographics and career-related categories of the journalists, followed by an examination of the countries with the highest number of arrests. I also elaborate on the different reasons that journalists have been imprisoned, cases in which a journalist has not been given a trial, human rights abuses that have been committed against them, and how wrongful imprisonment is becoming a growing threat to journalists in the modern world. Of note, it should be known that even during an armed conflict, International Humanitarian Law considers “directing attacks against journalists” a grave violation, including acts that deliberately target journalists or media facilities. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, an organization that monitors worldwide journalist arrests and fatalities, 2,232 journalists and media workers have been wrongfully imprisoned since the database was founded in 1992. The statistics for 2024 revealed higher numbers of journalist arrests than ever before given the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine and the growing conflicts with neighboring countries in the region. Most journalists who have been arrested during the Israel-Hamas War were detained for apparent “anti-state” sentiment, which is a common reason for arrest in various countries. Of the 2,232 wrongfully imprisoned, 1,320 were also charged with anti-state sentiment, with a large portion of arrests providing no explanation into what exactly the journalist […]

Perspectives on Human Rights

HUQUQ Research Team Teaching, Education, Introduction to Human Rights, Teaching HUQUQ 0

The foundational idea of human rights is the notion of rights. When the very existence of a being is dependent on other things, such a being may claim that they have the right to these things. For instance, the human being is dependent on breathable air (oxygen), therefore, no power in the world should delay, limit, or enumerate access to air to any human being. This kind of proposition is so universal that it cuts across time and across cultures, and did not need to be made into a negotiated social contract of any jurisdiction. It is taken for granted that humans must share the air they breathe and no one, no matter how powerful they might be, can interfere with every individual’s right to breathe the air. The same can be said about access to drinkable water: every human being, regardless of ability and capacity, have an absolute right to water to the extent that throughout history, and all cultures, access to water was guaranteed even when such access infringed on claims other persons might claim like right over land that has the only spring or stream on which other people depend on for drinking water. However, even basic and logical claims of rights to air and water can be challenged under certain circumstances and that created a context for competing claims of rights. For example, what should be done if one person undertakes some activity within a space they claim to be theirs, in their farm or residence, for example, that […]

Globalism and Human Rights

Research Assistants Comments on Rights Economics, Globalism, Globaliztion, Migration, Poverty 0

Globalization is the term used to describe the liberalization and interdependence between the world’s economies, cultures, and populations (Peterson Institute for International Economics). Globalization encompasses the growing cross-border trade of goods and services, foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI), technology, and information between countries. Think of it as a “McDonaldization” of not just capital, labor, and commodities but of lifestyles, ideas, preferences, food, culture, and values–the interaction amongst people within states plays a vital role in transforming not just political institutions, but cultural standards (norms), and social connections (Swathi Hosamani and Shravani Hosamani 4). Furthermore, globalization brings about economic growth, technological progress, and infrastructure development and has the promise to bring lower-developed countries into the 21st century; however, simultaneously, many difficulties still arise at the intersection of economic progress and safeguarding human rights (Swathi et al. 7). First, what does it mean to safeguard human rights? “Human rights”, a term coined in the 20th century, nevertheless present since the beginning of civilization, are fundamental basic rights. Human Rights are natural or inherent within all of us by virtue of our existence. To safeguard human rights means to uphold the inherent worth and respect of every individual in the collective and in cultivating a cohesive society, protect against any attempt of infringement of one’s dignity, as a collective cannot triumph if even the inherent rights of one do not remain inviolable (Swathi et al. 7). Economic globalization does not just have significant potential to impact human rights; it […]