How do international bodies approach universalism versus cultural relativism?

International bodies often strive to balance universalism and cultural relativism, promoting global standards while respecting cultural diversity.

International bodies such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), and International Labour Organisation (ILO) often find themselves in a delicate balancing act between universalism and cultural relativism. Universalism, the belief that certain rights and freedoms are universally applicable and should be upheld regardless of cultural differences, often forms the basis of international law and human rights standards. On the other hand, cultural relativism posits that cultural context is crucial in understanding and applying these rights and freedoms, and that what is considered 'right' or 'wrong' can vary significantly between different cultures.

The UN, for instance, promotes universal human rights through instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). However, it also recognises the importance of cultural diversity and the need to respect different cultural practices. This is evident in the UN's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which acknowledges the unique cultural practices of indigenous communities and their right to maintain and strengthen their distinct cultural traditions.

Similarly, the WHO, while promoting global health standards, also recognises the role of traditional medicine and cultural practices in health care. It has developed strategies to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems, acknowledging that these practices can coexist with modern medicine and can be beneficial to health outcomes.

The ILO, too, promotes universal labour standards but recognises the need for flexibility in their application to account for cultural differences. For example, it acknowledges that the concept of 'decent work' may vary across different cultural contexts and strives to promote an inclusive approach that respects cultural diversity.

However, this balancing act is not without its challenges. There are often tensions between the promotion of universal standards and the respect for cultural diversity. For instance, certain cultural practices may be in conflict with universally recognised human rights. In such cases, international bodies often face criticism either for imposing 'Western' values on non-Western cultures or for failing to uphold universal human rights standards.

In conclusion, while international bodies strive to promote universal standards, they also recognise the importance of cultural diversity and the need to respect different cultural practices. This often involves a delicate balancing act, with the aim of promoting global cooperation and understanding while respecting cultural differences.