Module 1

You have now been introduced to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – the basic foundations for the UN’s work in this area. As you progress through the modules, you will see how UN Member States have built on these foundations, and the degree to which (or not) they have built an effective international regime for protecting human rights.

However, based on what you’ve learned so far, and on your own thoughts coming into the course, please reflect on the following questions:

• Do you think the promotion of human rights should be a key goal of the UN? Wouldn’t it be more effective if this global body focused more narrowly on peace and security?
• Can the UN really be an effective monitor of states’ human rights practices, or will it inevitably fail in the face of entrenched state power?
• Does the rise of new, non-western powers mean the UN will inevitably give less attention to human rights?

Discussion

Please post your response in 200 words or less on the discussion forum, and please comment on the post of at least one of your colleagues.