The discussion about elites and grassroots in the human rights movement is important – but can sometimes confuse as much as it illuminates. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers and Human Rights and Human rights: mass or elite movement? Español, العربية
La familiaridad con el término “derechos humanos” puede causar más daños que beneficios cuando la producción gubernamental de eslóganes se adueña de su significado. Dar a las bases populares el poder para interpretar y utilizar los derechos humanos es la clave para que exista una movilización efic
Familiarity with the term “human rights” can cause more harm than good when government sloganeering co-opts its meaning. Empowering the grassroots with the agency to interpret and use human rights is the key to effective mobilization. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powe
Ron, Crow and Golden argue that human rights organizations should foster grassroots movements worldwide. Elite-focused approaches remain essential, however, especially in highly unequal countries such as Mexico and Colombia. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate, “Human rights: mass or eli
The diversity of human rights movements defies elite/mass labels. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers and Human Rights and Human rights: mass or elite movement? Español.
La diversidad de los movimientos de derechos humanos desafía el uso de las etiquetas "de élite" o "de masas". Una respuesta al debate que inició la Encuesta de percepción de los derechos humanos. English.
Los investigadores deberían analizar tanto las relaciones verticales entre los líderes de derechos humanos y sus bases como las relaciones horizontales entre el movimiento de derechos humanos y otros actores. Una respuesta a la investigación de Ron, Crow y Golden y una nueva contribución al debate
Researchers must analyze both vertical relationships between human rights leaders and their base, as well as horizontal relations between the human rights movement and other actors. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers and Human Rights and Human rights: mass or elite m
The problem of ‘top-down’ human rights work is particularly pronounced among the marginalized women and girls who experience the harshest abuses. These individuals are fully capable of becoming rights bearers, but need more information about international and national law. From the openGlobalRight
Does the human rights movement's effectiveness hinge upon the trust and diffuse support of ordinary citizens? Not necessarily. Well-crafted, elite-level strategies can help NGOs effectively promote progressive reform. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debates on Emerging Powers and Human Righ
¿Depende la efectividad del movimiento de derechos humanos de los niveles de confianza y apoyo difuso que inspira entre los ciudadanos? No necesariamente. Las estrategias bien diseñadas a nivel de las elites pueden permitir a las ONGs promover reformas progresistas de manera efectiva. English
Instead of posing as truth-advocates, Israeli human rights activists should first acknowledge the limitations of their own paradigm to address the source and scope of injustices endured by Palestinians. Then they might realize they are in the same boat as the public they so desperately try to pers
