Globalization and Human Rights

Movements for Human Rights and Liberation

Globalization has fostered increased contact between cultures, leading to movements for reform centered on liberation.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

The United Nations established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

  • Articulated basic human rights inherent to all human beings.
  • Protected vulnerable global citizens, including women, children, and refugees.
  • UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) was created to address children's needs after World War II.

Women's Rights

The twentieth century saw significant changes in women's rights.

  • 1975: The United Nations First World Conference on Women convened to advance women's rights over the decade.
  • 1979: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women:
    • Proposed an international bill of rights for women.
    • Included provisions for:
      • Women's suffrage.
      • The right to marry a spouse of their choosing.
      • Equality in education.
      • The right to birth control and family planning.

Black Liberation: The Negritude Movement

Globalization spurred movements for black liberation.

  • Negritude Movement:
    • Emerged in the 1930s and 1940s among French-speaking Caribbean and African artists.
    • A literary and ideological movement that celebrated blackness and black culture, challenging the racial legacy of colonialism and racism.
    • Promoted awareness of black culture.
    • Provided language and discourse for future anti-colonial and civil rights movements.

Religious Movements: Liberation Theology

Globalization influenced rights-based religious movements.

  • Liberation Theology:
    • Originated in Latin America as a re-envisioning of Catholic Christian theology.
    • Emphasized Christ's concern for the poor and marginalized.
    • Called for the transformation of oppressive power structures, breaking from the power-based imperial character of Catholicism.
      • Influenced the Catholic Church to work for social justice and solidarity with the poor.

Access to Education and Politics

Global human rights discourse led to reforms in education and politics.

  • Expansion of women's suffrage:
    • Feminist movements led governments to recognize women's right to vote and hold office.
    • Examples:
      • United States (1920).
      • Turkey (1934).
      • Japan (1945).
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964 (United States):
    • Result of the civil rights movement.
    • Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, publicly owned facilities, employment, and federally funded education programs.
  • Caste Reservation System (India):
    • Addressed the social marginalization of lower caste members.
    • Reserved a percentage of seats in educational institutions, government jobs, and elected positions for historically marginalized caste groups.

Environmental and Economic Reform

Globalization sparked calls for environmental and economic reform.

Environmentalism
  • Environmentalism:
    • Began in the 19th century but became a global movement in the 20th century due to unequal effects of globalization.
    • Early examples:
      • Romantic poets in Europe denouncing industrial pollution.
      • Conservation movement in the United States under President Teddy Roosevelt.
  • Greenpeace:
    • Founded in 1971.
    • Uses non-violent protest tactics to raise awareness and advocate for environmental protection.
    • Employs protests, blockades, and direct interventions to confront environmental threats.
World Fair Trade Organization
  • World Fair Trade Organization:
    • Addressed exploitative practices in the manufacturing sector, such as low wages, long hours, unsafe working conditions, and lack of job security in developing nations.
    • Advocates for fair prices for producers to ensure sustainable livelihoods and community investment.