The 'Asian Values' Perspective of Human Rights: A Challenge to Universal Human Rights

Abstract

The so-called 'Asian values' perspective emerged during the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union bloc and as a result of the rise of East Asian economies. Although no longer in general use, this concept still proves a useful reference point when considering the cultural relativism of human rights as a championing viewpoint and the premise upon which Asian countries (in particular those in East Asia) rely when defending their own values against the universalism of human rights, as well as a justification for the shortcomings of human rights practices. It refers to values which, distinct from those emerging from European discourse, advocate the particularity of human rights and deny their universality. It can be summarised as having the following major components: a relativistic approach to human rights, a communitarian outlook, a strong emphasis on the family at the core of society, the need to acknowledge the significance of economic, social and cultural influences, human dignity as the foundation of human rights, an identified correlation between rights and duties, and emphasis on national sovereignty. This concept has been widely debated by many prominent East Asian politicians and scholars, and used to challenge the universality of human rights. Opponents have argued that this view can lead to the advocating of double standards to justify mass violations of human rights. In this paper, the author argues that although it is a new trend of human rights discourse and a contribution to the evolution of human rights theories, the emergence of the 'Asian Values' perspective is a great challenge to universal human rights and international human rights regimes. The author also argues the approach to human rights can be neither universal nor particular, but should incorporate aspects of both of these essential viewpoints. A common standard should thus emerge, reflecting diverse values whilst at the same time transcending religion and culture.