Enforcing Social Rights (Term Paper Sample)

Enforcing Social Rights
Student Name
Institution
Introduction
There is a general agreement by many authors and authoritarians that every individual is entitled to certain rights and privileges. Numerous treaties have also been ratified to stipulate ways and means of attaining and protecting the said social rights. However, individual social rights continue to be abused in many places in the world, both by fellow citizens and governments. This article makes use of arguments advanced in two publications to advance a discussion on the existence of rights, deprivation of social rights, impediments to the said rights, and effective ways of enforcing adherence to the various social rights provided for by international laws. Human rights continue to be abused in many parts of the world both by fellow citizens and governments mainly because of negligence by individuals and the failure of human rights groups to advocate for adherence to such rights. The publication alluded to are: Ensuring economical social rights by Judith Blau and Economic Social rights by Michael Haas.
Blau and Haas agree that various social rights are provided for in writing by domestic as well as international laws. Blau, for example, mentions the international agreements and bodies established to enhance social rights such as the international Labor organization ILO. In addition, Haas also makes mention of various international treaties and organizations established with the sole purpose of enforcing adherence to economic and social rights. Like Blau, Haas also takes note of the ILO as the most significant body that was put in place to enforce adherence to basic social rights. Some of the rights mentioned by the two authors include the right to work, right to fair remuneration, and the right to a good standard of living. Additionally, Haas takes note of a number of other social rights, some of which include; the rights to share wealth and natural resources, the right to make laws that are fair to various parties, and the right to fair treatment among many others.
Evidence on deprivation of human rights in various parts of the world is provided by the two publications. Blau, for example, mentions deprivation of the right to fair remuneration in the United States financial industry. Also, Haas mentions unemployment and unfair remuneration in developed nations as well as lack of shelter in third world countries, as examples of deprivation of social rights. However, Haas and Blau differ considerably on the implementation of social rights. Blau, makes use of statistical data to demonstrate that the United States lags far behind in adherence to social rights as compared to various industrialized nations. Haas condemns and applauds industrialized nations with equal measure. He does not show preference to any particular industrialized nations. Further on, Haas notes that third world countries have the least attainments owing to inadequacy of funds. with regard to social rights.
A core argument advanced by the two authors is that rights cannot be enforced without mobilization and involvement of the citizens themselves. The authors agree that without the involvement of citizens, governments and people who are economically endowed will continue to deprive the poor of their rights. Blau’s opening remarks states clearly that without the active involvement of people, those with economic ability will continue to determine how nations and the entire world are run. Similarly, Haas alludes to the fact that governments will continue to deprive citizens of their rights unless they make deliberate efforts to claim such rights. Blau’s arguments make it clear that rights are not granted unless they are demanded by citizens. Haas goes further to provide real life examples that demonstrate ways of demanding adherence to human rights. Haas’ publication provides a case scenario in South Africa, where litigation was used to reverse a government decision to deny citizens of their right to good health.
Unity of purpose, community mobilization and vigilance are mentioned by both authors as important steps towards enhancing adherence to social rights. Blau advocates for strengthening of community organizations and human right groups as a means of ensuring that social rights are adhered to by various governments. Haas, on the other hand, advocates for litigation, mobilization and vigilance.
Impediments to adhere...