Defending Human Rights: the approach is the key

Greetings,

This post is not directed at any human rights group, organization, or persons who have an interest in human rights. It is not intended to criticize or promote any case.  It is about what type of approach, I believe, should be given consideration before defending citizens who have experienced injustice by the State. 

The rights of citizens do not exist in a vacuum. Their rights exist within a political, judicial, social, educational, cultural, and economic context. To advocate for, and defend human rights, it is important that it is dealt with objectively, that there is a thorough knowledge of the workings of government, its language, how to communicate with it, and awareness of the possible implications that may arise, if the correct approach is not taken. Diplomacy and tact, is one approach, which should be carefully thought out, prior to dealing with issues on human rights. The interests of the complainant, and all other parties concerned, should not be jeopardized by disrespect, lack of decorum, subjective perspectives, and self-interest.    

Choosing the correct approach should be the fundamental principle when defending the rights of the citizen, defending the rights of the citizen within the rule of law, and to encourage public support. An area of particular importance, is the involvement of external organizations when they are invited to support a case, and/or to present findings, in whatever the human rights case may be. That task becomes difficult for them when the original presentation of the case to a government was in an atmosphere of hostility, and contention. No case can achieve the desired result when the approach is inappropriate and negative. 

This is not suggesting that the rights of the citizen should not be defended as one thinks fit. On the contrary, one is entitled to their opinion on how to proceed with a matter. However, it is the approach, its implementation, and the effect of it, which is a contributory factor to the outcome.

If human rights is to defend the rights of the people, let the people be the focus, and the approach taken be in their interest. This is more productive than blurring the issues, creating a tussle to score political points, irrelevant posturing, and useless manoeuvring.  

Peace

Grace