Socialism—even social democracy—is in retreat as capitalism reigns triumphant. But if we care about political freedom, we have to care about economic freedom too: without means, civil and political rights are empty. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Economic and Social Rights. Franç
The overlapping and interdependent nature of human rights suggests efforts to protect only some rights in law are misguided. The reason for legalizing economic and social rights is not only to make them justiciable in court; it is to create the political and societal impetus to make rights a reali
The argument that socio-economic rights are not “real” human rights is far too simplistic. While the phrase “progressive realization” gives many governments an excuse to treat these rights as second class, both the Indian and South African courts have expressly recognized their importance. It’s ti
Socio-economic rights contribute to economic and social transformation by correcting unreasonable state policy, and combating social exclusion. At its best, economic and social rights activism challenges power, mobilises poor communities and delivers significant concrete benefits to the poorest of
Making social and economic rights part of a country’s constitution does not help the poor, and may even hurt. An evidence-based response to Saiz’s and Yamin’s plea for the indivisibility of human rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Emerging Powers and Human Rights. Español
Social and economic rights are laudable goals, but qualifying them as “rights” may actually do more harm than good. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on Emerging Powers and Human Rights. Español
The advocates of market fundamentalism have sought to close down totally the intellectual space for enquiry and discourse. But a more just and humane model of development, based on equitable distribution of the world’s resources, is a viable alternative whose time has come.
Instead of viewing India’s role in global human rights from a foreign policy perspective, it is also important to examine whether India offers any lessons on human rights for other states by providing an alternative to the dominant discourse on rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate
The distinction that Aryeh Neier draws between human rights and social justice is premised on a limited notion of what constitutes “power”, argue Ignacio Saiz and Alicia Ely Yamin. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers and Human Rights and Economic and Social Rights.
Drawing on the central practices and aims of a traditional human rights organization as described by Aryeh Neier in his account of Human Rights Watch, let me respond, the author says, by imagining its suitability and relevance to a social justice agenda. A contribution to the openGlobalRights deba
The founder of Human Rights Watch tells Stephen Hopgood and James Ron that this organisation is globalizing itself; though it has a long way to go, over time it will prove effective. But human rights and social justice are not the same thing. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerg
Stephen Hopgood wrote in ‘Emerging powers and human rights’ of the not always subtle distinction and looming abyss today between what he calls ‘Human Rights’ and ‘human rights’. Our author picks up the gauntlet he has thrown down. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers a
