How does the UN address universalism and cultural relativism?

The UN addresses universalism and cultural relativism through its human rights framework and promotion of cultural diversity.

The United Nations (UN) is a global organisation that was established to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. One of its key areas of focus is human rights, which is where the concepts of universalism and cultural relativism come into play. Universalism, in the context of human rights, refers to the idea that certain rights and freedoms are inherent to all human beings, regardless of their cultural, social, or political backgrounds. Cultural relativism, on the other hand, argues that human rights should be interpreted in the context of individual cultures and societies.

The UN's approach to these two concepts is a balanced one. On one hand, it upholds the principle of universalism through its Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which outlines a set of rights and freedoms that apply to all people. This document, adopted in 1948, is based on the belief that certain rights - such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person - are universal and should be protected everywhere.

On the other hand, the UN also recognises the importance of cultural diversity and the role it plays in shaping societies and individuals. It acknowledges that cultural practices and traditions can influence the interpretation and application of human rights. This is reflected in its various conventions and treaties that take into account cultural differences, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

However, the UN also makes it clear that cultural relativism should not be used as an excuse to violate or deny basic human rights. It maintains that while cultural diversity is important, it should not infrive upon the universal rights and freedoms outlined in the UDHR. This stance is evident in its efforts to combat harmful cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation and child marriage, which are considered violations of human rights.

In conclusion, the UN addresses universalism and cultural relativism by promoting a human rights framework that is both universal in nature and sensitive to cultural differences. It strives to strike a balance between respecting cultural diversity and upholding universal human rights.