What examples exist of politicised human rights discourse?

Examples of politicised human rights discourse include the debates on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the War on Terror.

The discourse on immigration, particularly in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, is heavily politicised. On one side, there are arguments for the protection of human rights of immigrants, including the right to seek asylum, the right to family life, and the right to work. These are often championed by left-leaning political parties and human rights organisations. On the other side, right-leaning political parties often argue for stricter immigration controls, citing national security, economic stability, and cultural preservation. This discourse often involves a tension between individual human rights and collective national interests.

The discourse on LGBTQ+ rights is another example. In many countries, the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as the right to marry, the right to non-discrimination, and the right to gender recognition, have become highly politicised. Progressive political parties and movements often advocate for these rights, while conservative parties and movements often oppose them. This discourse often involves a tension between the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and traditional cultural or religious values.

The War on Terror, particularly post-9/11, has also involved a politicised human rights discourse. In the name of national security, many governments, notably the United States, have implemented policies that have been criticised for violating human rights, such as indefinite detention without trial, torture, and mass surveillance. These policies have been justified by some as necessary for the protection of national security, while others argue that they infringe upon fundamental human rights, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to privacy, and the prohibition of torture. This discourse often involves a tension between national security interests and individual human rights.

In all these examples, human rights are not just legal or moral issues, but also political issues. They are used by different political actors to advance their agendas, shape public opinion, and legitimise their actions. This politicisation of human rights discourse can both advance and hinder the protection of human rights, depending on the context.