What examples highlight the politicisation of human rights?

Examples of the politicisation of human rights include the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and China's treatment of Uighur Muslims.

The Guantanamo Bay detention camp, established by the United States in 2002, is a prime example of the politicisation of human rights. The camp was set up in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks to detain and interrogate suspected terrorists. However, it has been heavily criticised for its treatment of detainees, including allegations of torture and indefinite detention without trial. Despite international condemnation and calls for its closure, the camp remains operational, highlighting the tension between national security interests and human rights. The US government's justification of such practices on the grounds of national security demonstrates how human rights can be politicised and sidelined for political gain.

The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar is another example. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, have faced systematic discrimination and violence, culminating in a military crackdown in 2017 that forced hundreds of thousands to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. The Myanmar government has denied allegations of genocide, framing the issue as a domestic matter and accusing the international community of interference. This case illustrates how human rights issues can be manipulated and dismissed for political reasons, particularly in the context of national sovereignty and non-interference.

Lastly, China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province has been widely criticised as a gross violation of human rights. Reports suggest that over a million Uighurs have been detained in 're-education camps', subjected to forced labour, and subjected to other forms of abuse. However, China has defended its actions as necessary measures to combat extremism and maintain social stability. The international community's response has been mixed, with some countries condemning China's actions while others, particularly those with strong economic ties to China, have remained silent. This case underscores how economic and geopolitical considerations can influence the international response to human rights abuses, further politicising the issue.