Human Rights in Modern Times

Human Rights in Modern Times Synopsis

Human Rights in Modern Times is an examination of the roots and development of human rights concepts, norms and institutions. Sixty years after the establishment of the United Nations and of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, the gap between the promise of human rights and its realization continues.

This book balances introducing an overview of the field of human rights with focus on a series of issues facing cultures and societies today world-wide. Is there a "modern human rights revolution?" If so, what are its main components? The book emphasizes a selection of human rights challenges from conflict and genocide to displaced populations, slavery, children's rights, development, and globalization. In the face of continued economic inequity, terrorism and social upheaval such as the recent revolutions across the Middle East, do human rights institutions and norms provide an ideology or mechanisms for positive change? What continuing contradictions, failures and dangers characterize aspects of the human rights movement? Is there potential for redirection toward greater empowerment and equity?

A perfect introduction for anyone wanting to know about the contemporary history of human rights.