The West used to be the loudest voice advocating for human rights. But Western governments' evasive stances on the horrifying death of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi government dissident, suggest this is no longer the case. In the light of huge economic links and political turbulence, are human rights still valued in western civilization?
Yes, the universal norm of human rights still holds strong in the West
Human rights were originated in the West and established as a form of cultural dominance.
World powers unite with western countries to support global human rights
The United Nations is an organization made to bring peace to the world and prevent wars. The countries that are part of the UN are America, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Western countries like the United Kingdom and Australia make regular contributions to the UN to make the world a better place.
Western countries have organizations that help countries that need help
Save a child, UNICEF, and Oxfam are a few examples of organizations that go out in the world and help bring resources to countries that need help. Poverty, famine, and war have ruined countries around the world. In an effort to support them, western countries contribute resources to improve these countries' quality of life.
Human rights are meant to protect individual dignity, but every culture has a different definition of this principle. We often perceive the Western definition of human rights as universal, ignoring cultural differences. This idea could destroy cultural values in an effort to "westernize" belief systems.
Not exactly, Western governments' positions on honouring human rights are selective
The West would not honour human rights consistently if facing the risk of upsetting economic allies.
The West compromises human rights in other countries for economic gains
Western nations increasingly dispute the importance of civil rights versus economic gains. There are countries that suffer from violence against the weak and helpless. Yet, because of trade agreements, western countries don't want to risk breaking ties with those countries.
The West is threatened by economic growth in developing countries
If economic power shifts from Western to Eastern countries, the West's financial instability could increase. If the West becomes instable economically, they lose their influence in the global economic power struggle.
Western nations have imposed liberal, democratic norms on other countries since their rise after World War II. These norms change as Western ideals change and other nations are expected to abide by them or face consequences.
No. Western governments are hypocrites on so-called belief in human rights
Western governments are holding double or multiple standards on the human rights diplomacy.
The west overlooks human rights for financial agreements
Western countries like America value international relationships. With trading and meetings, countries contribute financially to each other's economy. However, it could become a problem if finances become more important than the goal of global human rights.
