Is the politicisation of human rights inevitable?

Yes, the politicisation of human rights is inevitable due to the inherent nature of human rights as a political issue.

Human rights, by their very nature, are political. They are about power, about who has it and who does not, about who is included and who is excluded, about whose voice is heard and whose is silenced. Therefore, it is inevitable that human rights will be politicised. This is not necessarily a negative thing. The politicisation of human rights can lead to important debates and discussions about the nature of rights, about who should have them and how they should be protected.

However, the politicisation of human rights can also lead to problems. For example, human rights can be used as a tool by powerful states to justify their actions or to criticise their enemies. This can lead to a situation where human rights are seen as something that can be given or taken away, rather than as something that all people have simply by virtue of being human. This can undermine the universality of human rights and can lead to a situation where some people's rights are seen as more important than others.

Furthermore, the politicisation of human rights can lead to a focus on certain rights at the expense of others. For example, civil and political rights, such as the right to vote or the right to freedom of speech, are often prioritised over economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to health or the right to education. This can lead to a narrow understanding of human rights and can exclude certain groups from the human rights discourse.

In conclusion, while the politicisation of human rights is inevitable, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that this can cause. It is important to ensure that all rights are respected and protected, and that all people are included in the human rights discourse.