Does politicisation undermine the objectivity of human rights?

Yes, politicisation can undermine the objectivity of human rights by introducing bias and promoting selective enforcement.

Politicisation refers to the process by which an issue is transformed into a political matter, often leading to the manipulation of the issue for political gain. When human rights are politicised, they can become a tool for political manoeuvring, which can undermine their objectivity. This is because the interpretation and enforcement of these rights may be influenced by political agendas, rather than being based on a universal standard of human dignity and equality.

For instance, governments may selectively enforce human rights based on their political interests. They might emphasise certain rights while neglecting others, or apply these rights inconsistently, favouring groups that support their political agenda and discriminating against those who do not. This selective enforcement can lead to a distorted understanding of human rights, where they are seen not as universal and inalienable, but as contingent on political considerations.

Moreover, the politicisation of human rights can lead to their instrumentalisation. Politicians might use human rights rhetoric to legitimise their actions or to discredit their opponents. For example, a government might justify a military intervention in another country by claiming to defend human rights, even if its real motives are strategic or economic. Similarly, a politician might accuse their opponents of human rights abuses to undermine their credibility, even if these accusations are unfounded or exaggerated.

Furthermore, the politicisation of human rights can contribute to their polarisation. When human rights are associated with a particular political ideology or party, they can become a divisive issue, leading to polarised debates and preventing consensus on their interpretation and implementation. This can hinder the development of a shared understanding of human rights and their universal applicability.

In conclusion, while human rights are inherently political in the sense that they involve power relations and require political action for their realisation, their politicisation can undermine their objectivity. This is because it can lead to bias, selective enforcement, instrumentalisation, and polarisation, which can distort the understanding and application of these rights.