Cultural Compassion: Making Human Rights More Accessible

By Sasmita Larasati Sarosa

Human rights organizations have long been the vanguard of justice and equality, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed across the globe. From the inception of organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, these groups have played a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights.In the aftermath of World War II, human rights organizations were founded mainly in response to the crimes carried out during the conflict. The foundation for these organizations was established by the 1948 United Nations adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which emphasized the equal rights and intrinsic dignity of every person (UN, 2024). The founders of well-known NGOs thought they could put pressure on governments to protect human rights norms by exposing abuses and pushing for accountability. But this top-down strategy frequently ignores the nuanced local conditions, creating a gulf between the communities that these organizations seek to serve and themselves (Tuominen, 2022).

In this op-ed, we will delve into the critique and suggest solutions to enhance their reach and impact by making them more accessible to every layer of society.

The World Human Rights Organizations' Challenges and Critiques

Global human rights organizations can face substantial obstacles despite their good intentions:

1. Cultural Insensitivity: The local non-Western population might get alienated from the Western-centric viewpoint of many human rights organizations. For example, the application of universal human rights standards may be met with resistance rather than collaboration if it is in disagreement with cultural norms and beliefs (Boschele, 2021). One of the problems of Western-centric approaches lies within the view of non-Western population who are mostly victims of colonization by the West. This would emerge suspicions within the non-Western population of further colonization in disguise of human rights from the Western population.
2. Accessibility Issues: It is frequently difficult for marginalized groups to get support because of the bureaucratic structure of huge organizations. People who are victims of human rights abuses might not have the means or expertise to deal with intricate reporting procedures, which could lead to an underreporting of atrocities (Amnesty, 2019).
3. Political Restrictions: Political environments frequently place restrictions on international organizations, which can reduce their efficacy. For instance, member state geopolitical interests frequently impede the UN Human Rights Council’s ability to address transgressions, resulting in selective involvement (Boschele, 2021).
4. Limited Local Engagement: Nongovernmental organizations would try and make an effort to interact with local communities, but their efforts are frequently flimsy. Many organizations do not comprehend the grassroots dynamics that shape human rights concerns in particular contexts or do not include local activists in the issue solving (Amnesty, 2019).

The Need for a Decentralized Approach to Human Rights Advocacy

International human rights groups have been instrumental in advancing and defending human rights across the globe. However, political limitations, minimal local engagement, cultural insensitivity, and accessibility concerns have restricted their efficacy. These organizations should take a more decentralized strategy and create separate branches suited to local circumstances to increase their influence. The local populace may get alienated from the Western-centric viewpoint of many human rights organizations. Because of their bureaucratic structure, underprivileged groups frequently find it difficult to get assistance, which leads to an underreporting of human rights violations. Political environments also limit international organizations, making it harder for them to resolve transgressions. Even when NGOs make an effort to interact with local communities, their efforts are frequently ineffective because they do not include grassroots activists or comprehend the factors that influence human rights issues in particular situations (Tuominen, 2022).

The Advantages of Decentralization

Human rights groups can better understand and respect cultural norms and promote greater acceptance and collaboration by setting up separate branches in different regions. Local branches that employ people with knowledge of the local language and culture might make it easier for people to report infractions and request assistance. By giving local activists and groups the tools and encouragement they need to spearhead human rights activities, this strategy would empower them. For more efficient interventions, each branch can create customized strategies that consider the special opportunities and problems found in its area.

The Cultural Advantages of a Decentralized Human Rights Approach

The effectiveness of global human rights organizations can be significantly enhanced by adopting a decentralized approach that respects and engages with local cultures. This method offers several cultural advantages that are crucial for promoting human rights effectively:

1. Understanding Local Contexts: By establishing independent branches in various regions, these organizations can better understand and respect cultural values. This understanding is essential for advocating for human rights in a manner that resonates with local populations, fostering greater acceptance and cooperation.
2. Grassroots Engagement: Local branches can empower local activists and organizations, providing them with the resources and support necessary to lead human rights initiatives. This grassroots approach enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of human rights advocacy, as it leverages the knowledge and networks of local communities.
3. Adaptability: Each branch can develop strategies that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities within its region. This flexibility allows for more effective interventions, as local organizations can respond quickly to emerging issues and adapt their approaches as needed.
4. Inclusive Advocacy: By engaging with local cultures, these organizations can encourage community participation in decision-making processes. This inclusivity strengthens cases where change is needed and empowers individuals to take action, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society.
5. Non-Discrimination: The right to enjoy and benefit from culture, as enshrined in Article 27 of the ICCPR, ensures that individuals belonging to ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities can enjoy their own culture without discrimination. This principle is crucial in promoting diversity and preventing cultural insensitivity.
6. Access to Multiple Cultures: The right to access cultural life includes the ability to freely engage with people, ideas, and events beyond one’s own particular community. This promotes cultural exchange, enriching the fabric of society and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The Function of Civil Society and Social Mobilization

The advancement of human rights is greatly aided by social movements and civil society. Consider the movements against slavery, colonialism, and even for the rights of indigenous people. Human rights organizations depend on public support and criticism of violations because public advocacy is crucial to the effectiveness of their appeals for reform. Domestic activism is most successful in advancing human rights when it is paired with international accountability structures. Human rights activism has been led by groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who keep an eye on government acts, record abuses, and apply pressure for reform; however, are still lacking in solving grassroots issues.

Conclusion

Global human rights organizations have come a long way in promoting human rights, but their efficacy is constrained by the disparity between the varied cultural and social contexts in which they operate and their Western-centric methods. These organizations can increase their accessibility and effectiveness by decentralizing their operations and creating autonomous branches that respect local customs. By empowering communities to take charge of their human rights advocacy, this strategy promotes an international culture that values the worth and dignity of every person.
Long live the rights of every human!

References

Amnesty. (2019). Global assault on NGOs reaches crisis point as new laws curb vital human rights work. Retrieved 4 September from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/02/global-assault-on-ngos-reaches-crisis-point/

Boschele, M. (2021). The Limits of Human Rights: International Law and Global Organizations MANAS Journal of Social Studies, 10(1).

Tuominen, H. (2022). Effective Human Rights Promotion and Protection? The EU and its Member States at the UN Human Rights Council. Journal of Common Market Studies. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.13433

UN. (2024). Human Rights. Retrieved 4 September from https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights.