Human rights and politics: facing the issue from a US and an Italian perspective

Human rights were defined as fundamental inalienable rights of all individuals. The tradition of human rights trace back to the ancient world and was codified by Roman Law, to be then claimed as the basis for political independence by feudal entities and eventually enshrined in the Magna Charta of 1215. In its modern meaning and in relation to governments, the concept of human rights posits that governments have a duty to do no harm but also actively protect fundamental rights.There are various structural problems hindering the promotion of human rights worldwide. First, in most Western countries respect for human rights is simply taken for granted, although individual violations (particularly against women, children and minorities) and even partial government abuses do happen rather often.A second problem is that governments have historically opposed the adoption and expansion of the concept, usually by invoking the primacy of state sovereignty: the progressive adoption of human rights standards, through covenants and agreements, is largely due to the efforts of initially small groups and organizations which have gradually created a wider consensus.A third problem on the way to better protected human rights is that formal democracy itself is no guarantee, since several conditions must be met within a country: a legal system that forbids torture, freedom of expression and association, independent judiciary, accountable and well trained police forces. In any case, the enforcement of human rights – actually prosecuting crimes – is just as important as an advanced legal system.In recent years the definition of human rights violation has expanded in scope: not only governments are held responsible but also individuals and groups as well as corporations. Among the democratic countries, the most widespread violations are those related to domestic violence, immigration and hate crimes in general. The issue of torture and violent interrogation methods seems to be particularly serious in the United States.The agenda for the next US administration is daunting, including crisis areas such as Darfur and Tibet, but also broader issues such as selective (gender biased) abortion practices in some countries, child labour and extreme poverty.On the question of how to deal with the Chinese government on the occasion of the 2008 Olympic games, the best course seems to avoid a boycott and other radical steps while also insisting that China keep the promises made when bidding for the Olympics – on releasing political prisoners and generally improving its overall human rights record.