Human Rights: Between Presence and Forgetfulness

Human Rights Between Presence and Forgetfulness

After World War II and the atrocities that nearly wiped out humanity, the United Nations decided to draft a global law, which it considered an international charter to preserve human rights as an individual within the human collective. The drafting of this charter began on December 10, 1948, in Paris and was completed in 1966, finally coming into effect in 1976.

Nearly half a century has passed since the implementation of this charter, which consists of 30 articles aimed at protecting individuals and their rights. This leads us to question how well this law has been applied, both in countries that claim to uphold this project and in those that have ratified its provisions.

Of course, it is important to note that many countries have not ratified the charter at all, while others have only accepted certain parts and rejected others. Additionally, some countries that have formally ratified the charter do not actually implement its principles—including those that claim to be the ideal defenders of human rights.

The Reality of Human Rights Implementation

We know that any law in the world, no matter how clear, can be manipulated, misinterpreted, or ignored based on interests and political agendas. Laws can be deliberately neglected when they do not serve a particular cause or, conversely, selectively enforced for ulterior motives. There are countless examples of this.

Western countries, in particular, are known to exploit the concept of human rights selectively, using it as a political tool. They criticize nations that oppose their political interests while ignoring human rights violations in their allied nations—especially when these allies have strategic political or economic ties with them.

For example, Western countries previously praised Iraq’s human rights record under Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war, simply because Saddam served their interests by fighting Iran. However, the moment Iraq became a threat to their Gulf allies, they began raising the banner of human rights violations in Iraq as justification for intervention.

Double Standards in Human Rights

One of the clearest examples is how Western powers turn a blind eye to human rights violations in oil-rich Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia. Despite the well-documented human rights abuses in these countries, Western governments have rarely condemned them, choosing instead to maintain their economic and political partnerships.

The same double standards apply when it comes to Palestinian human rights. The West has, on multiple occasions, ignored or even participated in violations of Palestinian rights at the hands of Israel. This is done without shame, even while these same countries claim to champion justice, democracy, and human dignity.

The True Agenda Behind Human Rights Rhetoric

In reality, Western powers only defend human rights when it serves their own interests. The hypocrisy became even more evident during the Russia-Ukraine war, which was instigated by the United States to drag both East and West into a costly and unnecessary conflict. This war is not about democracy or justice, but rather about U.S. ambitions to weaken Russia. Today, we are witnessing the consequences: economic collapse and hardship for people across the world.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Review

Putting politics aside and focusing solely on human rights violations, which are numerous, we want to analyze the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This declaration is considered one of humanity’s greatest legal achievements, though it remains incomplete and should be reviewed and updated based on the evolution of human consciousness over the past 50 years.

The 30 articles of the declaration were appropriate for their time and were seen as a remarkable achievement in legal history. However, unfortunately, they have not been properly enforced. Additionally, these laws are not sacred, and they must be revised and improved in accordance with the current understanding of human rights. Most importantly, they should be applied universally without double standards or political manipulation.

If the UDHR were applied as it is today to all of humanity without discrimination, it would be the greatest achievement in history. However, we also need to update and refine this declaration to adapt it to modern challenges and to ensure that all human beings—regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or social status—are treated equally.

Whether a person is in the jungles of Africa, the deserts of Australia, the mountains of South America, or the cities of Europe, they are first and foremost human. Their fundamental rights should not depend on their place of birth.

Examining the Articles of the UDHR

In this article, we will go through the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights one by one. Many people have heard of this declaration, but few actually know its content.

We will analyze which rights are actually upheld, which ones are ignored, and which ones need revision to align with today’s human rights principles.

Moreover, when we discuss human rights, we must focus on the individual as an independent entity, regardless of their gender, religion, political beliefs, nationality, or social background.

The individual, as a person, must be treated equally under all circumstances.

Article 1: The Principle of Equality

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

This article represents an absolute truth that should be universally accepted without question. It requires no interpretation or debate.

However, what should be done about those who refuse to acknowledge this right? Here, we are not just talking about individuals but about entire ideologies and religions—especially the Abrahamic religions—that consider non-believers as inferior, misguided, or even deserving of punishment.

How do we deal with ideologies that promote discrimination between men and women, claiming that women have less dignity and fewer rights than men?

How should we confront those who openly oppose the principle of human equality, whether on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or beliefs?

Even though Article 1 appears nearly flawless, there is a small loophole: It ties freedom, equality, dignity, and rights to reason and conscience. However, we know that some individuals are born with mental or emotional disabilities, or they may develop such conditions later in life.

Does this mean they are not entitled to freedom, equality, dignity, and rights?

This article should be amended to state that all humans, regardless of their mental or emotional condition, are entitled to the same fundamental rights.

Article 2: Non-Discrimination

“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.”

This article reaffirms that all humans should be treated equally under the UDHR. However, this principle must be enforced so that everyone enjoys the same rights, without exceptions.

Article 3: The Right to Life, Liberty, and Security

“Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.”

Every human being has the absolute right to live freely. Any attempt to deprive a person of life—whether through war or legal execution—is a crime against humanity.

This means that the death penalty and all forms of war are fundamentally inhumane and unjust. How can any entity claim the right to take a human life?

Furthermore, liberty is just as important as life itself. Denying a person their freedom is equivalent to killing them while they are still breathing.

A person without freedom is a slave, not a human.

Freedom, as stated in this article, must include all aspects of life: freedom of movement, residence, thought, work, and expression. However, freedom must not infringe upon the rights of others.

The principle of freedom is built on responsibility. Just as freedom is granted to an individual, they must not take it away from others.

Denying someone their right to freedom is a crime against humanity.

Article 4: The Prohibition of Slavery

“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”

This article is fundamental, yet slavery still exists in different forms today. It may not always be physical enslavement, but mental and psychological enslavement also exist.

For example, many individuals experience forms of servitude within their own families, workplaces, and social environments.

The fight against modern slavery must extend beyond physical ownership of humans to include any system that deprives people of their free will.

Even today, slavery is still legally practiced in some parts of the world. In Mauritania, for instance, traditional forms of slavery persist despite official bans.

Moreover, many jobs around the world resemble slavery—with workers receiving insufficient wages, working under abusive conditions, and being denied basic human rights.

Although Article 4 prohibits slavery, it does not go far enough in addressing modern forms of servitude.

Article 5: Protection from Torture and Cruel Punishment

“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”

This article raises a fundamental question: What gives anyone the right to physically or emotionally harm another human being?

Why do parents feel entitled to physically discipline their children? Why do employers mistreat their workers?Why do governments oppress their citizens?

Torture and degrading treatment remain widespread in many countries, even those that claim to champion human rights.

One of the most infamous examples is the torture and abuse of prisoners in Abu Ghraib (Iraq) by U.S. forces. Similarly, detainees in Guantanamo Bay were subjected to horrific human rights violations.

These practices continue today, often in secret. The West condemns torture publicly but still practices it behind closed doors.

Torture is not limited to war zones—it also exists in detention centers, prisons, workplaces, and even homes.

Despite being outlawed, torture remains a hidden reality in many so-called civilized nations.

Article 6: The Right to Legal Recognition

“Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.”

Many people may not fully understand the meaning of this right. In the past, slaves had no legal identity—they were not considered persons but rather property. Today, everyone is legally recognized, but does that mean they have full legal protection?

In many countries with oppressive regimes, people can be stripped of their legal recognition, making them stateless. Even in countries that claim to support human rights, certain minorities are denied basic legal rights.

For instance, stateless individuals in the Gulf countries and Palestinians under Israeli occupation often lack full legal recognition.

Thus, while this article appears strong on paper, its enforcement remains questionable.

Article 7: Equality Before the Law

“All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.”

The law should apply to everyone equally, but in reality, money and power determine justice.

In many societies, wealthy and influential individuals can escape justice while ordinary citizens suffer harsh punishments.

For example, politicians and business elites commit crimes without facing consequences, while the poor are imprisoned for minor offenses.

This article should be strengthened by ensuring true legal accountability for all, regardless of social status.

Article 8: The Right to Seek Justice

“Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted to him by the constitution or by law.”

While this article sounds ideal, it does not reflect reality in many parts of the world.

In countries with corrupt legal systems, seeking justice is impossible. Even in so-called democratic nations, people with financial power can manipulate the justice system.

Moreover, in cases involving government abuses, victims rarely receive true justice.

For this right to be meaningful, there must be a guarantee that legal institutions remain independent and free from political and economic influence.

Article 9: Protection from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile

“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.”

This article is one of the most violated principles in human rights law.

• Arbitrary arrests occur frequently in dictatorships, where political opponents, journalists, and activists are detained without trials.
• Exile is still a reality, where governments force dissidents to leave their home countries.

Even in democratic nations, laws such as anti-terrorism measures have been used to justify detentions without due process.

The real challenge is ensuring that this right is universally respected, rather than being applied selectively.

Article 10: The Right to a Fair Trial

“Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.”

While many countries claim to provide fair trials, justice is often compromised by:

• Political pressure
• Bribery
• Media influence
• Social status of the accused

For example, in the U.S., a poor individual accused of a minor crime might receive a harsher sentence than a wealthy businessperson accused of corporate fraud.

For this article to be effective, legal systems must ensure:

1. Independent and transparent courts
2. Protection against political interference
3. Equal access to legal representation for all

Article 11: The Presumption of Innocence

“Everyone charged with a penal offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a public trial.”

This principle is fundamental, yet it is often ignored in practice.

Many people face punishment before their guilt is proven, especially in countries with authoritarian governments.

Additionally, trial by media has become common—where individuals are publicly accused, judged, and condemned by the press before any legal ruling is made.

This article should be reinforced by strict penalties against governments, media, or individuals who violate the presumption of innocence.

Article 12: The Right to Privacy

“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home, or correspondence.”

In the modern world, privacy is under constant attack.

• Governments spy on their citizens through surveillance programs.
• Tech companies collect and sell personal data.
• Social media platforms track and monitor online activity.

Privacy laws should be updated to address new threats in the digital age.

Moreover, governments must respect this right rather than violate it in the name of national security.

Article 13: Freedom of Movement

“Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.”

In reality, freedom of movement is heavily restricted.

• Many people in war-torn countries cannot leave due to travel bans or lack of documents.
• Some governments impose exit restrictions on political dissidents.
• Immigration policies in wealthy nations make it nearly impossible for individuals from poor countries to move freely.

True freedom of movement should be granted without discrimination.

Article 14: The Right to Asylum

“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”

While asylum is legally recognized, in practice, it is selectively granted.

• Western nations accept refugees only when politically convenient.
• Asylum seekers face extreme vetting, detention, and rejection.
• Many refugees are deported back to danger.

For this right to be meaningful, asylum laws must be applied universally.

Article 15: The Right to Nationality

“Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality.”

Yet, many people remain stateless, particularly in conflict zones and occupied territories.

For example:

• Palestinians under Israeli occupation
• Kurds without a recognized state
• Stateless people in the Gulf states

Nationality should not be used as a political weapon.

Article 16: The Right to Marriage and Family

“Men and women of full age have the right to marry and to found a family, without any limitation due to race, nationality, or religion.”

This article should be expanded to protect the rights of all individuals, including:

• Same-sex couples
• Interfaith and interracial marriages
• Non-traditional family structures

No government or religious institution should interfere in personal relationships.

Article 17: The Right to Property

“Everyone has the right to own property. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.”

While this sounds fair, economic inequality allows the rich to accumulate wealth while the poor remain disadvantaged.

True economic justice must address:

• Unfair land distribution
• Corporate monopolies
• Forced evictions and illegal land seizures

The right to property must not be used as a tool for oppression.

Article 18: Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

While this article sounds universal, in practice, freedom of religion is one of the most violated human rightsworldwide.

• In many Islamic countries, leaving Islam (apostasy) is punishable by death or imprisonment.
• Religious minorities often face persecution, discrimination, and violence.
• In some secular states, religious symbols are banned, restricting personal freedom.

True religious freedom should ensure the right to believe, not to believe, or to change one’s belief without fear of persecution.

Article 19: Freedom of Expression

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

Freedom of speech is one of the most debated rights today.

• Many governments censor criticism under the pretext of national security.
• Social media platforms restrict certain political opinions.
• In authoritarian regimes, dissenting voices are silenced through imprisonment or assassination.

A world where people fear expressing their thoughts is a world without progress. While hate speech and incitement to violence should be restricted, no government should have absolute power over what can or cannot be said.

Article 20: Freedom of Assembly and Association

“Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.”

In many countries, protests are violently suppressed, and political opposition is banned.

For example:

• Protesters in authoritarian states risk imprisonment, torture, or death.
• Some countries label opposition groups as “terrorists” to justify oppression.
• Even in democracies, police brutality is often used against demonstrators.

Freedom of assembly should be protected—without it, democracy is meaningless.

Article 21: The Right to Participate in Government

“Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.”

Many governments claim to be democracies, but in reality:

• Elections are manipulated, rigged, or controlled.
• Corrupt political systems favor the wealthy and elite.
• Many people are denied the right to vote based on legal technicalities.

True democracy means giving all citizens a genuine voice in decision-making, not just a choice between two equally corrupt leaders.

Article 22: The Right to Social Security

“Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation, of the economic, social, and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.”

In wealthy nations, citizens enjoy healthcare, retirement benefits, and unemployment aid. However, in many other parts of the world:

• Social security systems are nonexistent or severely underfunded.
• Millions live in extreme poverty without access to basic healthcare.
• The gap between rich and poor continues to widen.

A world where a minority lives in luxury while the majority struggles to survive is a world that has failed to achieve human rights.

Article 23: The Right to Work and Fair Wages

“Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.”

Economic exploitation is still rampant worldwide:

• Millions work under inhumane conditions for unfair wages.
• Corporations outsource labor to countries with weak labor laws.
• Unions are often crushed to prevent workers from demanding fair treatment.

Workers should not be treated as disposable resources, but as human beings with rights.

Article 24: The Right to Rest and Leisure

“Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.”

While some countries respect labor rights, in others:

• Workers are forced to work overtime without compensation.
• Paid vacation and sick leave are seen as privileges, not rights.
• Child labor is still a major issue in many parts of the world.

The right to rest should not be a luxury—it is essential for human dignity and mental health.

Article 25: The Right to a Standard of Living

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care.”

Yet:

• Hundreds of millions lack access to clean water, healthcare, and basic nutrition.
• Homelessness exists even in wealthy nations.
• Governments prioritize military spending over social welfare.

Basic needs should never be sacrificed for political or economic interests.

Article 26: The Right to Education

“Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages.

Education should be a right, not a privilege, but:

• Millions of children worldwide are deprived of schooling due to poverty.
• Religious or political ideologies are imposed on education systems.
• Access to higher education is limited to the wealthy in many countries.

A world that denies education to its people is a world that denies its own future.

Article 27: The Right to Cultural Life

“Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”

However:

• Artistic expression is censored in many countries.
• Scientific research is controlled by governments and corporations.
• Many indigenous cultures are being erased due to globalization.

Cultural diversity should be protected and celebrated.

Article 28: The Right to a Just World Order

“Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.”

Yet:

• Global institutions like the UN fail to enforce human rights fairly.
• The rich dictate world policies, while the poor suffer the consequences.
• Wars and economic policies favor the powerful at the expense of the weak.

Human rights should be a global priority, not a political tool.

Article 29: Responsibilities to the Community

“Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.”

Citizens have responsibilities, but governments must also be held accountable.

A society that expects obedience from its people without fulfilling its obligations to them is not just.

Article 30: The Protection Against Rights Being Taken Away

“Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group, or person any right to engage in any activity aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.”

The greatest threat to human rights today is selective enforcement. Governments and organizations use human rights when convenient but ignore them when they conflict with their interests.

To truly protect human rights, we must ensure:

• Accountability for all nations and leaders.
• A global commitment to enforcing these rights.
• An end to hypocrisy in international politics.

Until then, human rights will remain more of an illusion than a reality.

Final Thoughts

This article examined all 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While the document itself is an important milestone, its application remains deeply flawed.

The question remains: Will humanity ever treat human rights as a universal principle, rather than a selective tool?