1. Concept Definition
Human Rights: Refers to the fundamental rights inherent to every individual simply by being human. These include the right to life, liberty, and equality. Human rights are generally regarded as inalienable and universal, transcending national borders and cultural differences.
Universal Values: Represents a set of ethical and moral principles, such as freedom, democracy, and justice, that are widely accepted across the globe. These values aim to reflect shared human aspirations across cultures and regions.
2. Scope
Human Rights: Concrete and rights-oriented, focusing on protecting individuals’ basic rights. They are often enshrined in legal frameworks and policies.
Universal Values: Broader in scope, encompassing political, economic, social, and cultural ideals. It serves as a philosophical and ethical expression of collective human ideals.
3. Application
Human Rights: Practical and enforceable, embodied in international law, constitutions, and treaties (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
Universal Values: A theoretical framework often used to evaluate and guide societal development. Its implementation may vary due to cultural and contextual differences.
4. Points of Contention
Human rights are relatively clear and specific, focusing on objective protections and entitlements.
Universal values, on the other hand, can be more subjective, as they involve ideology, cultural contexts, and historical perspectives. Referring to certain rights or ideals as "universal" might be perceived as promoting particular cultural or political systems.
Response to the Question
“Why call it universal? Isn’t human rights just human rights?”
Answer:
Human rights and universal values serve different purposes. Universal values are not a mere rebranding of human rights but rather a broader conceptual framework that seeks to establish a shared ethical foundation for global society. While human rights form an essential part of universal values, the latter encompasses a wider range of ideals and societal goals. Framing human rights within the context of universal values allows for global dialogue, aiming to build consensus and address specific rights issues within diverse cultural settings.