Overview
In the textbook, Straus defines human rights as a “set of
rights afforded to individuals on the basis of being
human, i.e., irrespective of national citizenship, gender,
ethnicity, or other traits” (1). We see, however, that
despite the international system of defining and
guaranteeing human rights known as the human rights
regime, not every individual or government has the
same concept of human rights. For this assignment, you
will explore national and international policy responses
to a human rights issue.
Instructions
Based on Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch,
the UN human rights-related organizations (UNHCR,
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights), or another source that you verify with
your instructor, choose a human rights policy issue.
Address the following in a paper of at least three pages:
1. Define the issue as a human rights issue
according to concepts of human rights. Describe
its causes, implications, and locations. Use the
following questions to help you frame your
explanation:
• In what ways has a policy caused human
rights violations or been enacted because
of human rights violations?
• Can you recognize conflicts around human
rights policy that stem from divergent
understandings of human rights, within a
country, between countries, or between a
country and an intergovernmental or non-
governmental organization?
• Consider the history, religion, and culture
of the country where the issue is taking
place in your examination of the human
rights policy issue.
• Title this section of your paper
Understanding the Issue as a HumanUnderstanding the Issue as a Human
Rights Concern.
2. Identify the stakeholders and explain how this
issue has an impact on them. Provide references
to support the information.
• Title this section of your paper Impact of
the Issue on Affected Parties.
3. Describe recent and current efforts aimed at
solving the human rights issue, including efforts
by NGOs, national governments, and IGOs.
Provide supporting references.
• Title this section of your paper Recent
Initiatives to Address the Issue.
4. Based on your analysis of the human rights issue
and the policies you have described, provide your
opinion on which policy would be appropriate.
This can be one of the policies already in place or
your suggestion. Support your opinion with
references to appropriate resources.
• Title this section of your paper Evaluating
Policy Solutions.
5. Use four (two government and two peer-
reviewed, scholarly) sources to support your
writing. Choose sources that are credible,
relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed
on your source page at least one time within your
assignment. For help with research, writing, and
citation, access the library or review library.
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