Rights and justice: who protects and who violates
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Flip to reveal answersWho are the main actors in rights?
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Question
Who are the main actors in rights?
Answer
States & governments, IGOs (the UN and its bodies), NGOs & civil society, and individuals & communities (human rights defenders).
Question
What is the 'state paradox'?
Answer
The state is the main protector of rights (laws, courts, police) and the main violator (it holds the power to abuse its own people).
Question
How do states protect rights?
Answer
By making and enforcing laws, running courts, and providing police protection — only the state can guarantee rights day-to-day.
Question
How do states violate rights?
Answer
By using their power — police, courts, army — against their own people through repression, unfair trials or abuse.
Question
What role do IGOs play in rights?
Answer
The UN and its bodies (e.g. the Human Rights Council) set global standards and monitor states, but have weak enforcement.
Question
What role do NGOs play in rights?
Answer
Watchdogs like Amnesty International expose abuses and campaign — power through publicity and shame, not law.
Question
Why is Amnesty International a good example?
Answer
It researches abuses worldwide and mobilises millions to pressure governments, with no army or law-making power — its weapon is publicity.
Question
What is a human rights defender?
Answer
An individual activist who protects and promotes rights, often at great personal risk.
Question
How do NGOs protect rights without legal power?
Answer
By exposing abuses to the world, raising the cost of violating rights for governments that want trade, aid or standing.
Question
Why are IGOs strong on standards but weak on force?
Answer
They can write treaties and monitor states, but depend on states to act, and powerful states can block enforcement (the veto).
Question
Who protects rights best?
Answer
No single actor — only states hold real power, but because they are also the main violators, IGOs and NGOs are essential to check them.
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