Is the declaration of human rights universal?

Abstract

The article questions whether universalism and cultural relativism can exist together as a basis for making moral choices in today's multi‐cultural global environment. It considers whether this co‐existence offers a practical compromise or merely creates confusion. The idea is assessed within the context of human rights in Islam, where the contrast with the West has been the subject of much debate, but its possible union with the West is also discussed. The conclusion states that, through emerging patterns, it is becoming apparent that human rights are genuinely implemented with relative ‘universalism’.