10 2 . Respect for human rights
PART I : POINTS OF DEPARTURE
2 . Respect for human rights
Aim . To strengthen understanding of human rights principles , particularly women ’ s human rights , and the consequences of violating them .
Human rights are rights to which all human beings are entitled . International human rights treaties affirm that every individual has dignity and certain inalienable rights . The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( 1948 ) states that recognition of these rights is the foundation of freedom , justice and peace .
‘ Human rights ’ standards refer both to the substantive rights that are defined and codified in international treaties , declarations and covenants , and mechanisms or institutions that operationalise and enforce those rights , for example by investigating claims that rights have been violated , clarifying the application and content of human rights principles , and ensuring that states comply with the obligations they assume when they sign human rights agreements .
Human rights affirm the dignity and physical integrity of every person and their right not to have their dignity and physical integrity violated . In particular , they prohibit all forms of cruel , inhuman and degrading treatment . Threats to life and other violations of rights have very serious effects on the lives of people , harming or destroying their health and well-being . This is why respect for rights is at the heart of our health work with women ( as well as with men and children ) and guides our analysis and the approaches we adopt .
The present training builds on and is inspired by the human rights framework . Identifying rights and abuses of rights is also important in practical psychosocial work . Understanding the experiences of participants and survivors in terms of rights and their violation may be creative and bring insights , and can give survivors and their helpers valuable tools . Awareness of human rights , and their great importance for everyone , can be a valuable resource when working with people whose rights have been brutally disrespected . Human rights values may assist us both to understand the suffering we encounter and find ways to respond to it in a respectful and helpful way .