Of the several blind spots in the early development of the human Essay

Of the several blind spots in the early development of the human rights regime, none is as striking as the failure to give viol - Essay Example The fact that the women have been presented as helpless and individuals who are dependent on others for support has not made the position of women in society better. As such, only several centuries past now have women been able to enjoy equal rights as men. In most countries, these women are now able to go to school alongside their male counterparts, to go to work, to support themselves, and to vote. For a long while however, women have been subjected to physical, emotional, sexual, and mental abuse from their male counterparts, including family members as well as strangers. In the past few decades however, more serious commitments on the protection of their civil and human rights have been observed1. These commitments come in the form of laws in the international and national level, ultimately affording equal right to these women and imposing punishment and penalties to those who abuse the rights of women. One of these laws is the CEDAW or the Convention on the Elimination of All Fo rms of Discrimination against Women. It is also known as the Treaty for the Rights of Women2. It was adopted by the UN in 1979, and ratified by different countries. This treaty is however not a sufficient policy in the complete protection of women’s civil and human rights. ... This article shall evaluate the statement above, highlighting instances of human rights violations for these women, gaps in the protection of their rights, including possible remedies which can be implemented in order to address the issue. Body The CEDAW is considered an encompassing international treaty covering the basic rights of women. It indicates a form of Bill of Rights for these women and is the only international instrument which completely covers specific provisions on women’s rights, including their political, economic, social, cultural, and civil life4. There are 185 ratifying countries for this treaty, with the US being a major hold out for its ratification5. The CEDAW indicates a very broad definition for discrimination against women, supporting the fact that international usually provides broad definitions when compared to local or national laws. Nevertheless, CEDAW defines the idea of equality for women beyond what is currently set by many national provisions. Under the CEDAW, discrimination against women also refers to any act which excludes, distinguishes, or restricts individuals based on sex with such discrimination often made in order to impair the enjoyment or exercise by women of their human and fundamental freedoms and rights6. The treaty secures women’s rights in different realms, including government and political life, employment, education, healthcare, as well as other elements of social and economic life. It also indicates special policies for women including special measures to support the causes of women and protect their maternity7. Aside from the CEDAW, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has also set forth provisions seeking to protect

How do You Think a Confucian, a Daoist, and a Legalist would Evaluate Essay

How do You Think a Confucian, a Daoist, and a Legalist would Evaluate Asoka as a Ruler - Essay Example Asoka was inclined to fundamental values such as love, tolerance and was a devotee of nonviolence (Andrea and Overfield 143). Asoka was a peace-loving ruler who tried to instill a secular state ethic of non-violence. This clearly matches the arguments of the Confucius that claims that persons in a position of superiority were supposed to set an admirable example of moral behavior. This is what Asoka did (Andrea and Overfield 90). According to the Confucian doctrines, the politics are highly valued. They believe that politics is closely related to eternal life. The doctrines back up social issues that are indispensable as far as the livelihood of people is concerned. Because of this, aspects such as domestic order, preserve tradition, constant standard of living for the taxpaying peasants are highly valued. The Confucian theory is anchored on the belief that a ruler who cannot exemplify moral behavior is bound to loss the Mandate of Heaven. The Confucian doctrines aim at nurturing val ues such as compassion, traditional rituals, allegiance, and respect for superiors (Andrea and Overfield 92). The Confucius tends to value the family and community than the individual. This means that for one to be recognized by the Confucian, he or she must be able to assist the community. Egocentric is highly disregarded. From the religious perspective, Confucians worship the ancestors. They are still inclined to the traditional beliefs. Asoka argues that the relationship with the parents and living creatures should be firmly established. Ideally, the ruler should himself be such a model. For this, Asoka may be seen as an able ruler whose style of leadership style largely intertwines with the doctrine of Confucius (Andrea and Overfield 143). Legalism is anchored on the fact that people, by nature are evil, selfish, and untrustworthy. This philosophy aims at addressing the features of the people. It has one limitation in that it does not address the meaning of life. According to th e philosophy, law is the main tool through which people can be made to live in harmony. Because of this, the philosophy claims that the law code should be clearly availed to the public. Public must have access to the law code so that they can do according to the law. Failure to do meet these conditions may tempt people to commit crimes. The philosophy believes that the law makes people equal before the stipulated law codes (Andrea and Overfield 96). Nevertheless, the law states that those who break the law should be punished. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the fact that the measures that were taken provided some assurance of predictability. Similarly, the ruler has no significant impact or influence on the rule of law as it is predominantly run by the state and not him. Asoka became a successful ruler after a successful execution of military conquests. He waged war at Kalinga. This brings him out as a forceful ruler (Andrea and Overfield 143). A legalist would rate Asoka a n inferior leader. Legalism stated that ruler should be in a position to employ some leadership tactics. This would ensure that he or she is under control of others. It also ensures that no one may claim the control over the state. They claim that this is possible because no one could possibly predict the motivations of the ruler like Asoka. Consequently, it is even hard to understand the appropriate behavior for the successful execution and following of laws (Andrea and Over