In global politics, human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to simply because they are human. In the IB Global Politics course, human rights are a central concept used to analyse power, justice, legitimacy, and global governance. They provide a moral and legal framework for evaluating how individuals are treated by states and other actors.
Human rights are based on the principle of universality, meaning they apply to all people regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. These rights include civil and political rights, such as freedom of expression and protection from torture, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, such as access to education, healthcare, and an adequate standard of living. The IB emphasises that human rights are interconnected and indivisible.
In global politics, human rights matter because they limit state power. While states are sovereign, their authority is not unlimited. Human rights create standards against which state behaviour can be judged. When governments abuse or deny these rights, they may face internal resistance or external pressure. This tension between sovereignty and human rights is a recurring theme in IB analysis.
Human rights also shape international law and global institutions. Treaties, conventions, and courts exist to promote and protect human rights across borders. Although enforcement is often weak, these frameworks establish expectations of behaviour and create mechanisms for accountability. Even powerful states are influenced by reputational concerns linked to human rights performance.
Another key role of human rights is their connection to legitimacy. Governments that respect human rights are more likely to be seen as legitimate by their citizens and the international community. Conversely, systematic violations can undermine trust, provoke protest, or justify international condemnation. Human rights therefore affect both domestic stability and global standing.
Human rights are also contested in global politics. Debates exist over universality versus cultural relativism, prioritisation of security over rights, and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. These debates show that human rights are not just legal rules but political issues shaped by power, values, and interests.
For IB Global Politics students, understanding human rights involves more than listing rights. High-level answers explain how human rights function in global politics, why they matter, and how they interact with power, sovereignty, and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are human rights in simple terms?
Human rights are basic freedoms and protections that belong to everyone. They exist regardless of citizenship or government. In global politics, they set standards for how people should be treated. IB students should link them to dignity and equality.
Why are human rights important in global politics?
Human rights limit state power and protect individuals. They influence international law, legitimacy, and intervention. Violations often lead to global attention and pressure. This makes them central to political analysis.
Who is responsible for protecting human rights?
States have the primary responsibility to protect human rights. International institutions and non-state actors also play roles. Enforcement is shared and uneven. IB answers should reflect this complexity.
Are human rights legally binding?
Some human rights obligations are legally binding through treaties. However, enforcement is inconsistent. Political will matters greatly. This gap is important for IB evaluation.
How should human rights be used in exam answers?
Students should define human rights clearly and apply them to real-world issues. Evaluating protection, violation, and enforcement strengthens responses. Linking rights to power and legitimacy improves marks.
