Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice

"Every once in a while a book appears that treats the leading issues of a subject in such a clear and challenging manner that it becomes central to understanding that subject. Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice is just such a book. . . . Donnelly's interpretations are clear and argued with zest."-American Political Science Review

"This wide-ranging book looks at all aspects of human rights, drawing upon political theory, sociology, and international relations as well as international law. . . . [Jack Donnelly] deals successfully with two of the principal challenges to the notion of the universality of human rights: the argument that some non-Western societies are not subject to Western norms, and the claim that economic development may require the sacrifice of some human rights."-Foreign Affairs

In a thoroughly revised edition of Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice (more than half of the material is new), Jack Donnelly elaborates a theory of human rights, addresses arguments of cultural relativism, and explores the efficacy of bilateral and multilateral international action. Entirely new chapters address prominent post-Cold War issues including humanitarian intervention, democracy and human rights, "Asian values," group rights, and discrimination against sexual minorities.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

A Starter and a Reference, 2007-01-11
In a sense, this book is so good it doesn't need a review. Almost everyone knows that the Donnelly book is the standard and most readable text on human rights theory. It is a good starter book for the beginner. You'll learn something new on every page. My copy is full of irresistable, self-made underlines, markings, and comments in the margins. It's also a good reference book, one that you'll return to time and time again. Donnelly's method of abbreviation, for example, is standard for the main UN proclamation and two binding covenants (treaties): (U for UDHR; E for CESCR; and C for CCPR). The book differentiates between regimes that exist for declaratory or promotional purposes and those which are involved in implementation of policy or monitoring and enforcement, and Donnelly pulls no punches when pointing out that some state reports in response to Protocol complaints are nothing more than farces. It is found, for example, that there is little reason why the Arab League and various Third Way movements should even be considered human rights organizations. Here are some of the international human rights discussed in this book: Nondiscrimination, Life, Liberty, security of person, Protection against slavery,Protection against torture, Legal personality, Equal protection of the law, Legal remedy, Protection against arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile, Access to independent and impartial tribunal, Presumption of innocence, Protection against ex post facto law, Privacy, Freedom of Movement, Nationality, Marry and found a family, Protection and assistance of families, Marriage only with free consent, Equal rights in marriage, Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, Freedom of opinion and expression, Freedom of assembly, Freedom of association, Participation in government, Social security, Work, Just and favorable conditions of work, Trade unions, Rest and leisure, Adequate standard of living, Education, Participation in cultural life, Self-determination, Protection of and assistance to children, Freedom from hunger, Health, Asylum, Property, Compulsory primary education, Humane treatment when deprived of liberty, Protection against imprisonment for debt, Expulsion of aliens only by law, Prohibition of war propaganda, Minority culture.

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