Human Rights Abuses, Justice and Peace within Developing Democracies: An Introspective Reflection

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VI, June 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Human Rights Abuses, Justice and Peace within Developing Democracies: An Introspective Reflection

Elias Nankap Lamle (Phd: Leuven-Brussels)¹, Felix Ogbewe Aigbovbioisa (M.A: Ibadan)^2
1Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
²Peace and Development Studies Programme, Salem University, Lokoja, Nigeria

Abstract: This paper examines Human Rights, Justice and Peace. Human Rights are fundamental, inherent and intrinsic to all human beings in as much as they are human, irrespective of nationality, gender, ethnicity, origin, colour or any other ascribed status. These rights can be protected in a functional democratic setting that anchors its foundation in the rule of law. Sadly, in most developing democracies, the reverse seems to be the case as human rights are not often respected as they ought to be. Extra-judicial killings, unlawful detentions, and other series of human rights abuses are still prevalent in developing democracies. This paper therefore, undertakes the following: conceptual understanding of human rights, justice and peace; human rights and social justice issues in Cameroon, Egypt and Nigeria; as well as highlighting the nexus among human rights, justice and peace as potential guarantors of social stability in human society. To this end, the paper ends with a conclusion with profound recommendations made. Secondary sources were mainly used for the purpose of this paper.

Keywords: Human Rights, Justice, Peace, Developing Democracy, Rule of Law, Instability

I.INTRODUCTION

Human rights constitute a set of norms governing the treatment of individuals and groups by states and non-state actors on the basis of ethical principles regarding what society considers fundamental to a decent life. These norms are incorporated into national and international legal systems, which specify mechanisms and procedures to hold the duty-bearers accountable and provide redress for alleged victims of human rights violations. It was precisely on 10th of December, 1948 that the United Nations General Assembly adopted and made a proclamation on Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The declaration centered on the ontological and inherent dignity of man, equality of human person, and inviolable and inalienable rights of all human species. Since human beings moved from the state of nature to organized and orderly civil society, observance of human rights still remain largely a fiction as they cannot be said to be respected and guaranteed where rule or law is neglected. In fact, rule of law means that everybody, no matter their position is subject to the law; that is, the law is supreme and no respecter of anyone. Not only that the law is supreme, it is also its duty through justice system and other governmental agencies to protect the rights and dignity of the human person.

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