Democracy and Human Rights

In my piece for The Times of Malta (18.XII.2018), I give an overview of human rights 70 years after the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I look at various issues:

"On the 70th anniversary of the ratification of the declaration, we must ask difficult questions over whether some ideologies, moneyed interests, commercial ventures and indifference are slowly contributing to an erosion of human rights.

We must examine whether the promises made by a paternalistic state are leading to a situation where people are willing to compromise on issues of human freedom; where being a “regiment of children” is more enticing than being a free person acting responsibly.

These questions are not merely speculative; rather, they point to the glaring fact that human rights violations can often be aided and abetted by indifference, ignorance and a willingness to turn a blind eye to abuse. Worse still, other rights are sacrificed on the altar of fake tolerance and broad-mindedness.

Today we understand that the West is not immune to such shortcomings."

The piece may be read by clicking here.