Global Studies Exam (terrorism & human rights)

What are human rights?

Fundamental rights and freedoms entitled to every person regardless of nationality, race, gender, or culture.

Why are human rights important globally?

They ensure dignity, equality, and justice worldwide and protect individuals from abuse, discrimination, and oppression.

Where are human rights recognised internationally?

In major documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), ICCPR, ICESCR, and various international treaties.

Give examples of specific human rights.

Right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, right to education, and right to work.

What is universalism in human rights?

The belief that all people are entitled to the same rights, regardless of culture or context.

What is cultural relativism in human rights?

The view that rights and values must be interpreted based on cultural and societal norms.

What is the role of international organisations in human rights?

They promote, monitor, and enforce global human rights standards (e.g., UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Council).

What do NGOs do in protecting human rights?

They raise awareness, support victims, lobby for change, and implement grassroots projects (e.g., Red Cross, A21, Human Rights Watch).

What is human trafficking?

The illegal trade of people for exploitation, such as forced labor or sexual slavery.

What are the root causes of human trafficking?

Poverty, gender inequality, lack of education, conflict, weak law enforcement, and demand for cheap labor or sex.

Who is most affected by human trafficking?

Women, children, migrants, refugees, and marginalised groups.

What are short-term impacts of trafficking?

Trauma, abuse, family separation, loss of freedom.

What are long-term impacts of trafficking?

PTSD, chronic illness, isolation, loss of opportunity, generational poverty.

How have governments and organisations responded?

UN Palermo Protocol, ILO programs, NGOs like Polaris and A21, national action plans (e.g., Australia's strategy).

What more needs to be done to stop trafficking?

Prevention campaigns, victim protection, tackling demand, international cooperation, and stronger enforcement.

What is terrorism?

The use of violence or threats to create fear for political, religious, or ideological goals.

Why is defining terrorism difficult?

Different countries and groups disagree on definitions due to political and cultural factors.

Terrorism

Violence or threats used to instill fear for political or ideological aims.

Political oppression

A cause of terrorism involving the suppression of political dissent.

Foreign occupation

A cause of terrorism where a foreign power controls a territory.

Socioeconomic inequality

A cause of terrorism characterized by disparities in wealth and opportunity.

Radical ideologies

A cause of terrorism involving extreme beliefs that justify violence.

Online radicalisation

A cause of terrorism where individuals are influenced by extremist content on the internet.

Impact on individuals and communities

Fear, trauma, loss of life, discrimination, erosion of trust, and social division.

Impact on nations

Policy shifts, militarisation, restricted civil liberties, and economic disruption.

Counterterrorism laws

State responses to terrorism involving legal measures to combat terrorist activities.

Military operations

State responses to terrorism involving the use of armed forces.

Intelligence programs

State responses to terrorism involving gathering and analyzing information to prevent attacks.

Surveillance

State responses to terrorism involving monitoring individuals or groups to prevent terrorist acts.

NGO programs

Non-state responses to terrorism focusing on community-based initiatives.

Education

Non-state responses to terrorism aimed at informing and preventing radicalisation.

Deradicalisation

Non-state responses to terrorism involving efforts to change extremist beliefs.

Advocacy for civil rights

Non-state responses to terrorism promoting human rights and justice.

Palermo Protocol

A UN treaty focusing on prevention, prosecution, and victim protection against human trafficking.

Strengths of NGO responses

Local reach, survivor focus, adaptability.

Human Rights

Rights and freedoms entitled to every person, regardless of nationality or background.

Universalism

Human rights apply equally to all people everywhere.

Cultural Relativism

Human rights should be interpreted within the context of local culture.

NGO

Independent organisation promoting social justice and human rights.

State Actor

Government-affiliated entity involved in political or military action.

Non-State Actor

Groups or individuals not officially linked to a government but involved in conflict or terrorism.

Caliphate

An Islamic political-religious state ruled by a caliph as successor to Muhammad.

Counterterrorism

Measures taken to prevent or respond to terrorism.

UDHR

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights—adopted in 1948 to outline universal freedoms.