Are human rights absolute or culturally dependent?

Human rights are both absolute and culturally dependent, depending on the perspective one adopts.

From a universalist perspective, human rights are seen as absolute and inherent to all individuals, regardless of their cultural, social, or geographical background. This view is largely based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948, which outlines a set of rights that are considered fundamental to all human beings. These include the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; and the right to equality before the law, among others. The UDHR is based on the principle of human dignity, which is seen as universal and inalienable.

However, from a relativist perspective, human rights are seen as culturally dependent. Cultural relativists argue that human rights are not universal but are instead a product of Western culture and values. They believe that different cultures have different values and norms, and therefore, what is considered a human right in one culture may not be seen as such in another. For example, some cultures may place a higher value on collective rights or duties, rather than individual rights. Cultural relativists argue that imposing Western concepts of human rights on other cultures can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism.

In practice, the international human rights regime attempts to balance these two perspectives. While the UDHR and other international human rights treaties set out a universal framework for human rights, they also recognise the importance of taking into account cultural differences. For example, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognises the right of all peoples to self-determination and to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

In conclusion, whether human rights are seen as absolute or culturally dependent largely depends on one's perspective. While there is a universal framework for human rights, there is also recognition of the importance of cultural diversity and the need to respect different cultural values and norms.