What impact does politicisation have on human rights enforcement?

Politicisation can both hinder and facilitate the enforcement of human rights, depending on the context and actors involved.

Politicisation refers to the process by which an issue is brought into the political realm and becomes a subject of debate, decision-making, and policy. In the context of human rights, politicisation can have both positive and negative impacts on their enforcement.

On one hand, politicisation can facilitate the enforcement of human rights. When human rights issues are politicised, they are brought to the forefront of public and political discourse. This can lead to increased awareness, mobilisation of public opinion, and pressure on governments to act. For instance, the politicisation of the refugee crisis has led to increased international attention and efforts to address the human rights abuses faced by refugees. Similarly, the politicisation of issues such as gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights has resulted in significant legal and policy changes in many countries.

However, on the other hand, politicisation can also hinder the enforcement of human rights. This is particularly the case when human rights are used as a political tool or weapon. For example, governments may selectively enforce human rights to serve their own political interests, while ignoring or even violating other rights. This is often seen in the context of international relations, where states may criticise human rights abuses in other countries while turning a blind eye to similar abuses at home. This selective enforcement undermines the universality of human rights and can lead to cynicism and disillusionment.

Moreover, the politicisation of human rights can also lead to polarisation and conflict. When human rights issues become highly politicised, they can become a source of division and tension, rather than a basis for consensus and cooperation. This can make it more difficult to achieve meaningful progress in the enforcement of human rights.

In conclusion, the impact of politicisation on human rights enforcement is complex and multifaceted. It can both facilitate and hinder the enforcement of human rights, depending on the context and actors involved.