The debate between Universal Human Rights and Cultural Relativism centres on the applicability and interpretation of human rights across diverse cultures. Universalists assert that rights, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), are inherent and should be universally accepted regardless of cultural differences.[i] Conversely, cultural relativists argue that human rights must consider local customs and values, warning that imposing universal standards can undermine cultural diversity and autonomy. This tension highlights the challenge of balancing respect for cultural practices with the need to uphold fundamental human rights globally.[ii]
Foundations of Universal Human Rights
Universal Human Rights, as defined in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, assert that all individuals, regardless of culture, nationality, or religion, have inherent and inalienable rights. These rights are considered to apply equally to everyone, emphasizing equality, dignity, and the inherent worth of every person.
Strengths of Universalism: Universal human rights provide a moral framework for addressing abuses like torture, slavery, and genocide, regardless of location. They create a standard for holding governments accountable for violations of human rights. Universalism prioritises the protection of individuals, even against harmful state policies or cultural practices.
Criticisms of Universalism: Critics argue that universal rights reflect Western liberal values and may not align with non-Western traditions. Some countries view universal rights as an interference in their right to govern based on their own cultural and legal norms.
Foundations of Cultural Relativism
Cultural Relativism argues that human rights should be understood within the context of each specific culture, where actions considered violations in one culture may not be seen the same way in another. Advocates of this view believe that moral values and norms are shaped by cultural, historical, and religious contexts, and therefore, should not be subjected to external or universal judgments.
Strengths of Cultural Relativism: It promotes understanding and respect for cultural differences, protecting societies from external cultural dominance. Relativism allows human rights to be interpreted in ways that fit the social, cultural, and political realities of different communities. It opposes the dominance of Western norms in global human rights discussions, encouraging a more inclusive and balanced dialogue.[iii]
Criticisms of Cultural Relativism: It can be misused to defend practices that violate basic human rights, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, or oppressive social systems. Relativism may hinder human rights development by maintaining harmful cultural practices that resist change. It can also create inconsistencies in enforcing human rights, complicating efforts to establish global standards and pursue justice for violations.
Cultural Relativism in a Globalized World
As global interactions expand, cultural relativism struggles to preserve its uniqueness. Some argue that in an interconnected world, where human rights abuses can have global impacts, some level of universalism is needed to uphold basic human dignity. On the other hand, critics claim that the spread of Western products and norms via media, technology, and economic systems threaten traditional cultures.
Emerging Middle Grounds: Efforts have been made to reconcile universalism and cultural relativism. Frameworks like “Asian values” and “African Human Rights” have attempted to merge local traditions with universal human rights standards, offering a more balanced approach to rights enforcement.
Challenges and Opportunities: A key challenge in merging universalism and cultural relativism is preventing cultural practices from being used to justify human rights violations, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, or discrimination based on caste or ethnicity. Simultaneously, enforcing universalist ideals too rigidly can overlook valuable cultural differences and fail to meaningfully connect with local communities. The opportunity lies in promoting a dialogue that honours cultural diversity while upholding the need to protect individuals from harm, discrimination, and violence.
A Hybrid Approach: A potential way forward is a hybrid approach that respects both cultural specificities and universal principles. This would involve creating human rights frameworks that consider cultural nuances while emphasizing the need to safeguard individuals from the most serious human rights violations. By working with local communities and leaders, it is possible to develop culturally relevant solutions that align with global human rights standards and protect fundamental dignity.
By blending universalism with cultural relativism, the goal is to create policies that embrace cultural diversity while ensuring the fundamental protection of human rights. This balanced approach could be the most sustainable and inclusive way to navigate the complexities of a globalized world.
Conclusion
The debate between Universal Human Rights and Cultural Relativism remains unresolved, as it involves deeply rooted beliefs about justice, sovereignty, and identity. Both perspectives provide valuable insights: universalism is crucial for fighting oppression and inequality, while relativism emphasizes the importance of cultural context and diversity. The challenge is to foster meaningful dialogue that honors cultural differences while upholding fundamental principles of human dignity and rights. A flexible, adaptive approach that respects local traditions but ensures basic protections against harm and discrimination may help bridge the gap between these competing views.
[i] “Human Rights: Universalism vs Cultural Relativism — A Brief Thought.” By Arcadia, 23 September 2023, https://www.byarcadia.org/post/human-rights-universalism-vs-cultural-relativism-a-brief-thought, (Accessed: 15.10.2024).
[ii] Gurbanli, Zaur. “The Universalism of Human Rights or Cultural Relativism?”, Baku Research Institute, 12 August 2018, https://bakuresearchinstitute.org/en/the-universalism-of-human-rights-or-cultural-relativism/, (Accessed: 15.10.2024).
[iii] Le, N. (2016). Are Human Rights Universal or Culturally Relative? Peace Review, 28(2), 203–211. https://doi.org/10.1080/10402659.2016.1166756
