Universal Declaration Research Articles

Influence of teachers’ appraisal on teaching methods on students’ academic performance in public schools for Kenya certificate of secondary education

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has declared that education is fundamental human rights to the well-being of any society. Therefore, the study was motivated by the need to improve students’ academic performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, a case in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study was guided by one objective. To examine how appraisal of teachers teaching methodology influences students’ performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Laikipia County. The study targeted 94 public secondary schools which comprises of 94 principals and 1100 teachers in Laikipia County. Purposive sampling was used to select 45 principals while simple random sampling was used to select 300 teachers. Questionnaires were used to collect data from principals and teachers. The findings of the null hypothesis there is no significant relationship between teacher appraisal on teaching methods and students’ academic performance using Chi square test was = 0.9625 3.84l. The null hypothesis was rejected hence there is a significant relationship between teacher appraisal on teaching methods and students’ academic performance. The study recommends TSC to establish, amend, the current appraisal process and provide professional development growth of teachers to enable them to be motivated when preparing and planning for instruction. To teachers, there is need to have high levels of commitments in preparation and planning, use of relevant teaching /learning materials and use diverse methods which leads to quality teachings and learning process in all classes

Neurorights, Neurotechnologies and Personal Data: Review of the Challenges of Mental Autonomy

Objective: to present the results of a systematic review of research on the impact of neurotechnology on legal concepts and regulatory frameworks, addressing ethical and social issues related to the protection of individual rights, privacy and mental autonomy.Methods: The systematic literature review was based on the methodology proposed by a renowned British scholar, a professor emerita of computer science at Keele University Barbara Kitchenham, chosen for its flexibility and effectiveness in obtaining results for publication. Thorough searches were carried out with the search terms “neurotechnology”, “personal data”, “mental privacy”, “neuro-rights”, “neurotechnological interventions”, and “neurotechnological discrimination” on both English and Spanish sites, using search engines like Google Scholar and Redib as well as databases including Scielo, Dialnet, Redalyc, Lilacs, Scopus, Medline, and Pubmed. The focus of this research is bibliometric data and its design is non-experimental with a cross-sectional and descriptive, using content analysis based on PRISMA model.Results: the study emphasizes the need to establish clear ethical principles to protect individual rights and promote responsible use of neurotechnologies; a number of problems of mental autonomy were identified, such as improper handling of information, lack of legal security guarantees, violation of rights and freedoms in the medical sphere. The author shows the need to adapt the existing regulatory legal framework to address the ethical and social problems arising from the new neurotechnologies. It is noted that a broad study of neurotechnology issues will contribute to the protection of human rights.Scientific novelty: an expanded understanding of the five neurorights within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is proposed; neurorights are viewed as a new category of rights aimed at protecting mental integrity against the misuse of neurotechnologies. The author justifies the adoption of such technocratic principles as personal identity, free will, mental privacy, equal access and protection against bias.Practical significance: the obtained results are relevant for understanding modern legal concepts related to neurorights and for adapting the existing normative legal acts to solve ethical and social problems arising from the emergence of new technologies, protection of human neurorights and liability for their violation. The study of these issues is key for provision of further responsible development and use of neurotechnologies.

PROTEÇÃO ANIMAL NO ÂMBITO DA LEGISLAÇÃO BRASILEIRA

Over time, changes in the way in which humans have been treating animals have become evident, however this relationship is far from being the ideal way of treating them. To ensure that animals and humans live harmoniously, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN) created the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, where they aimed to defend the right of animals to a dignified life, without mistreatment or exploitation. From that moment on, Brazil developed and has been developing legislation aimed at protecting animals, which recognizes that animals not only have their rights, but it is also the duty of human beings to ensure that they are treated equally, guaranteeing access to these rights and respect for their freedoms. This work aims to provide a history of animal protection laws, with an emphasis on the first decrees and the advancement of current legislation.

The history of human rights education in Africa and its implications for social work education in Africa

ABSTRACT This article provides a critical overview of the history of the development of human rights education in Africa and the influence it has on social work education and human rights. The research is based on an in-depth integrative literature review and provides a context for an understanding of human rights education in social work in Africa. This history is part of the history and development of human rights on the continent. The discussion will indicate that Africa was at a disadvantage regarding human rights education from the beginning, as most African countries had adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) only by 2019. In Africa, human rights education has focused on curriculum initiatives, particularly ones incorporating human rights concepts into local schools; by contrast, human rights education for professional groups has been infrequent. As social workers interact with marginalized groups and populations, the profession is very well positioned to advance human rights in Africa, provided that social work education incorporates human rights in the curricula. This article will indicate how the history of human rights education in Africa creates the backdrop of understanding the need for advancing human rights education in social work in Africa.

DEMOCRATIZAÇÃO DO ENSINO DE DIREITOS HUMANOS NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: DESAFIOS E OPORTUNIDADES PARA A FORMAÇÃO DE CIDADÃOS CONSCIENTES

This article investigates the challenges and opportunities in democratizing human rights education in elementary school, highlighting its role in shaping socially responsible and conscious citizens. The absence of a structured human rights education limits students' ability to develop a culture of respect for diversity and otherness, contributing to the perpetuation of inequalities. The central hypothesis is that the integration of a comprehensive and transversal human rights curriculum can transform the school environment and reduce discriminatory behaviors. Based on a bibliographical analysis of legal documents and recent studies, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the National Plan for Human Rights Education (PNEDH), this study examines initiatives implemented in Brazil, such as the "Direito na Escola" and "OAB Vai à Escola" programs. The results indicate that, despite barriers such as the lack of teacher training and pedagogical resources, human rights education from elementary school is crucial to building a more just and equitable society. The article concludes that the democratization of human rights education requires effective public policies and an integrated approach involving the state, school, family, and civil society.

Moral equality and reprogenetic autonomy in the genomic era.

In this paper, I question the argument from human dignity found in the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights (UDHGHR) and in the recent views of the International Bioethics Committee (IBC). I focus on what this argument says about the permissibility of two broad categories of reprogenetic choices that may be available to prospective parents in the genomic era. The argument from human dignity holds that non-medical genetic selection and somatic enhancements ought to be prohibited because they violate the principle of human dignity. I argue that human dignity need not be violated by the enterprise of human genetic selection/somatic enhancement if reasonable social safeguards are established. In particular, I argue that respecting the reprogenetic choices of the decision-maker is paramount within the boundaries of (i) prohibiting the infliction of a shortened lifespan or pain upon the child; (ii) prohibiting the actualization of demeaning beliefs or intentions such as viewing certain groups as inferior; (iii) prohibiting the choice resulting from an expression of unwillingness to love and care for the child; and, with respect to somatic gene enhancements in particular, (iv) the potentially unjustified effects of the enhancement on others, if any, are reasonably addressable (and addressed) via social modifications so as to ensure the enhancement no longer risks adversely affecting them. With these limits, reprogenetic autonomy cannot be said to undermine the dignity of humans by creating unjustified harms or expressing demeaning ideas.

Forced Returns and Fragile Lives: Strategies for Safeguarding Syrian Refugees and Ensuring Their Protection

Abstract The article discusses the deportation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon and Turkey between 2017 and 2024. It attempts to bring light on the experiences of these refugees facing forced returns, emphasising the human consequences and complicated causes underlying such actions. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the deportation of Syrian refugees and the urgent need for collective action to address this humanitarian disaster and preserve the lives of vulnerable individuals affected by forced repatriation. Using the descriptive analytical approach, this article investigates the legislative frameworks and international commitments that should safeguard refugees from forced repatriation. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (udhr), The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol and rules of International Humanitarian Law will be used as a standard for the definition and legal framework of refugee’s rights. The article dives into the obstacles that host countries confront, including as social, economic, and political pressures. It also emphasises the necessity of advocacy activities and protective measures to defend Syrian refugees’ rights and well-being. The findings of the article are expected to benefit Syrian refugees and raise awareness about their situation, which will contribute preserve their lives and well-being.

INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND COMBATING

Domestic violence remains a critical issue that negatively affects the physical and mental health, economic status and social integration of victims. The purpose of the study is to summarise international and Ukrainian legal norms, standards and policies aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence. Research methods: comparative analysis and content analysis to study international conventions, national legislation and regulations. International and national legal acts are aimed at ensuring effective countermeasures against this phenomenon, protecting the rights of victims and creating conditions for the prevention of violence. In general, as of today, a sufficiently strong legal framework has been created to combat cases of domestic violence, and this also applies to Ukrainian legislation, which also tries to respond to existing challenges by adopting a number of laws and by-laws. The state has also introduced a number of mechanisms to support victims, including social and psychological assistance centers, shelters, and mobile teams. The results of the study showed that international documents such as the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Istanbul Convention play an important role in shaping the legal framework for combating domestic violence. In Ukraine, the legal framework also includes a number of legislative acts, such as the Law of Ukraine ‘On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence’, which provides for comprehensive measures to protect victims. However, the problem of domestic violence remains relevant and requires further research and legal improvements to ensure effective implementation of international standards and improve the effectiveness of national measures.

Food sovereignty or food security? which way for sub-Saharan Africa

A lot of debates originating from the Americas and the global north have been ongoing regarding the right to food. These debates are centred around the concept of food sovereignty, pitting it against the more established food security concept. The right to food was first established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and incorporated into the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Genomic Data Privacy and the Right to Science: Issues of Balance

The paper examines the confidentiality of genomic data. According to the author, genomic data is a special concept in the field of personal data and requires increased regulatory guarantees of legal protection and safeguards. In addition, the author considers the issue of the grounds for disclosure and use of this type of information. According to the researcher, this is possible only if there is a public interest in conducting scientific research that contributes to the implementation of the health function by the state. The right to science, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, can serve as a regulatory basis for this. The author notes that this right has not yet been established at the level of national legislation, which significantly complicates its understanding and definition of restrictions in its implementation. The paper also emphasizes the uniqueness of genomic information, which is characterized by features of identifiability and relative danger. These features are specified by the author in terms of the purpose and scope of the use of genetic data, their informational content, as well as the degree of their influence on the rights of the relevant person. In conclusion, the author puts forward am idea of one best way to balance the right to science and genomic data privacy, through which it will be possible to ensure both effective legal protection and a stable course of scientific evolution and progress.

Defending the Pluralistic Minimum Universality of Human Rights

The idea of ‘universal human rights’ has emerged as a significant topic on the global agenda with the intensification of globalisation through technological change, the spread of transport and digital communication tools, and the increased visibility of instances of gross human rights violations in diverse regions worldwide. However, the spirit of the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, which emerged in the aftermath of the wave of fascism in 20th century Europe and the devastation of the Second World War, is still unable to penetrate all parts of the world. Furthermore, the rise of authoritarian populism in recent years has the potential to lead to a retreat from the idea of universal human rights. Thusly, the main purpose of this article is to introduce a viable, effective, pluralistic and minimum universal understanding of human rights on which world public opinion can agree. Within this framework, the intellectual elements of radical universalism and radical relativism, which are the parties to the debate on the universality of human rights, have been subjected to a rigorous analysis. A philosophical discussion was held in order to put forward an understanding of human rights that is respectful of multiculturalism and does not leave individuals at the mercy of the countries and societies in which they live, and to overcome the dichotomy in question. Moreover, the possible obstacles to the implementation of human rights worldwide have been discussed and the limits and scope of the pluralistic minimum universalist understanding of human rights have been revealed.

International humanitarian law as a result of challenges of armed conflicts

The study is devoted to the analysis of the evolution of international humanitarian law in the context of the protection of human rights and freedoms during armed conflicts. The historical development of legal norms is considered, starting from the early attempts to regulate military operations to the formation of the modern system of international law. Special attention is paid to three key areas of development of international humanitarian law: Geneva, Hague and New York. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and additional protocols to them, which became the foundation for the protection of war victims, are analyzed in detail. The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which established the rules of warfare and the principles of peaceful resolution of conflicts, are considered. The role of the UN in the development of international law is highlighted, in particular through the adoption of resolutions and the holding of international conferences. The work emphasizes the importance of creating universal standards for the protection of human rights and their consolidation at the level of international law. Key international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights and European Conventions are analyzed. The study reveals the process of integration of various aspects of humanitarian law, which led to the formation of a comprehensive approach to the regulation of armed conflicts. There is a growing understanding of the relationship between human rights, the rules of war and the protection of civilians. Particular attention is paid to modern challenges in the field of human rights protection during armed conflicts, in particular in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Ukraine’s efforts to adapt national legislation to the conditions of armed conflict and the implementation of international norms are considered. The study emphasizes the need for continuous improvement of mechanisms for the protection of human rights in the conditions of armed conflicts and adaptation of international law to the new realities of warfare. The work is important for understanding the current state of international humanitarian law and the prospects for its development.

Examining the Rights of Foreign Tourists in the Law of Afghanistan

Today, travel and tourism are urgent needs of the world's modern culture that all people try to have fun and travel domestically or internationally, which is very important for countries in terms of business and economy. They always try to develop the tourist industry. To attract many tourists to the country, to improve the level of the country's economy, in addition to the development of economic infrastructure, and political and security stability, it is necessary to recognize the rights of tourists in domestic laws. Therefore, in this article, the right to tourism and the general rights of tourists in the legal system of Afghanistan are examined. So, the Afghan legislator recognized the right to tourism, freedom, and general human rights for individuals in the constitution, and according to Article 7 of this law, all the freedoms and general rights that are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or the treaties that the Afghan government It is a member of foreign citizens, which includes the right to security (life and financial), the right to human dignity, the right to travel and choose residence, the right to privacy, the right to access the consulate, the right to go to court, and the right to access information. It recognizes the necessity and is obliged to observe it in the sovereignty of the government territory, and on the other hand, foreign tourists who come to Afghanistan must observe the norms, culture, and internal laws so as not to be against public opinion and conscience.

To What Extent can Parental Rights be Limited by “Minimum Educational Standards as may be Laid Down or Approved by the State”?

ABSTRACT The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) affirms parental rights in education through a simple statement: “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” However, in subsequent international treaties, this right is framed with greater complexity. Notably, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education (CADE), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRCh) introduce the requirement that this freedom must align with “minimum educational standards” set by the State. In contemporary discussions, the State’s role in regulating and limiting parental rights is increasingly seen as central to the right to education. This raises critical questions about how far such standards can go in restricting parental choice for broader political goals, such as promoting social cohesion. This paper aims to examine the concept of “minimum educational standards” and the extent to which they can be used to curtail parental rights, analyzing key human rights mechanisms and their interpretations. It seeks to clarify the balance between parental freedom in education and State-imposed regulations within the framework of international human rights law.

Applying critical pedagogies to human rights education

ABSTRACT The right to education is recognised in international human rights law, underpinned by guidance for human rights education to assure the goals of the UN Charter. While this vision for human rights education has been around since the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recent developments at UN level have galvanised interdisciplinary scholarship, drawing pedagogical frameworks from education studies, sociology, development studies, psychology, and philosophy into the teaching of international human rights law generally situated within law schools in higher education. Yet scholarship on the pedagogy of human rights education is in its infancy. Recent trends point to the transformative potential of utilising radical and critical pedagogies in furtherance of human rights education. Adding to the toolkit, this article presents a conceptually oriented framework for application to human rights educational practice. It builds on critical human rights education scholarship, interrogating how human rights education can tackle structural injustice, elucidating ways to infuse classroom learning with horizontal human rights principles, and examining the psychosocial factors in this kind of learning. The application of critical pedagogies to human rights education will be of interest to human rights educators and students of human rights everywhere.

Enhancing Social Sustainability in Malaysian Supply Chains: Integrating Occupational Safety and Health for Resilient and Ethical Business Practices

This conceptual paper examines the insufficient integration of Occupational Safety and Health into Malaysian supply chains' social sustainability frameworks, despite its recognized impact on worker well-being and economic performance. While Malaysia has advanced in sustainability overall, incorporating OSH into broader social responsibility strategies remains underdeveloped. This paper argues that protecting worker well-being is essential for sustainable supply chains, directly contributing to social sustainability and economic performance. The study examines the ethical, legal, and business justifications for prioritizing OSH in supply chain management. It draws upon international human rights declarations, treaties, and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the ILO's Occupational Safety and Health Convention, to underscore the fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment. This model developed through analysis of existing literature and policy frameworks, aims to guide a more comprehensive approach to OSH management within Malaysian supply chains. By analyzing these frameworks, the paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that aligns OSH with international standards and sustainable development goals. Ultimately, it advocates for a more resilient and equitable supply chain framework in Malaysia, where worker well-being is central to sustainable business practices.

Specifying the Elements of the Political, Social and Economic Democracy in Kuwaiti Constitution

The purpose of this research is to see how far the Kuwaiti constitution has taken from the two paradigms of democracy, based upon principles of free individual enterprise and socialists. As well as, the aim of this research is to identify the main principles of Kuwaiti constitutional law in the context of the political and social values that influence their development. The main theme underlines this research is to compare the articles of Kuwaiti constitution in the aspects of the social and political system with the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Islamic Sharia Law and other Human Rights declarations, which particularly relate to the political freedoms and underpin democracy. These include freedom of expression and assembly, access to information, and national security.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Human rights in criminal processing are crucial for ensuring justice and protecting individual freedoms within legal systems. This paper examines the integration of human rights standards throughout various stages of criminal processing, from arrest and investigation to trial and sentencing. It highlights key rights, such as the right to be free from torture and inhumane treatment, the right to legal representation, the right to be informed of charges, and the presumption of innocence. The influence of international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), on shaping national policies and practices is explored. Additionally, the paper addresses contemporary issues such as discrimination, wrongful convictions, and the impact of technological advancements on privacy rights. The study underscores the need for continuous reforms and robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that criminal processing aligns with human rights principles, ultimately fostering a fair and equitable justice system.

Redefining Protection: Challenges and Solutions in Safeguarding Religious Minorities within International and Regional Legal Frameworks

This paper examines the challenges in defining and safeguarding religious minorities within international and regional legal frameworks. It explores the main research question of how existing legal instruments and definitions impact the protection of religious minorities and aims to propose recommendations for improving these protections. Through a literature review and critical analysis of international and regional legal frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and various regional instruments, the paper identifies significant gaps and inconsistencies in current protections. Key issues highlighted include the lack of a universally accepted definition of religious minorities, the limitations of international and regional instruments, and the varying interpretations of religious rights by bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights. The paper concludes with recommendations for clearer definitions, more robust legal provisions, and enhanced international and regional cooperation to better safeguard the rights of religious minorities. The findings emphasize the need for more effective approaches to protecting religious diversity and ensuring proper representation.

Traditional folk art and online folklore: is comparison possible?

At the moment the globality of its information fi eld became obvious, the information society virtually removed from the agenda the question of the existence of tradition and traditional culture within its borders. Certainly, their importance was not denied and, moreover, against the backdrop of increased ethnic activity, it increased signifi cantly. This is evidenced by UNESCO's attention to the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage (World Heritage List, 1972), to issues of copyright in the fi eld of culture and creativity (World Culture Report, 1998. “Culture, Creativity and Markets”), the inclusion of intangible aspects in the concept of cultural heritage, including traditions and practices, beliefs and perceptions, languages and dialects, music, singing, dancing, and storytelling (Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001). It is important to note that back in 1998, the World Culture Report considered cyberculture as a subject of copyright. This fact alone indicates that the principles of construction and functioning of the information society were clearly visible not only in the sphere of technology, production, and communications, but in the creativity sphere as well.