Are developing countries more prone to human rights abuses compared to developed countries? Discuss.
Written by Lim Ruiyi, 5N2
Developing countries are more prone to human rights abuses compared to developed countries because of the lack of education, and functioning legal systems, and the fact that they are less affected by trade sanctions.
First, people in developing countries have fewer opportunities for education compared to their counterparts in developed countries. They do not know much about the concept of human rights and the fact that they are being abused. As they are less knowledgeable, they are unlikely to stand up against human rights abuses. Moreover, as most people in developing countries are farmers, they do not have the financial capability to fight against human rights abusers who are usually affluent and influential. Thus, developing countries are generally more susceptible to human rights abuses.
Second, the legal systems in the developing countries may not be functioning as well as that in developed countries as they are often disorganised and corrupted. As mentioned earlier, most people in developing countries are not educated. The legal power is often heavily influenced and controlled by the few rich and educated people. As the government officials may not be well-paid, many resort to taking bribes. In the event that a human rights abuse case goes to the court, the victim is unlikely to have a fair trial as the judge will often rule in favour of a richer person who is often the abuser. Therefore, human rights abuses are likely to remain rampant in developing countries.
Lastly, developing countries are less affected by trade sanctions by other countries that are displeased with their human rights abuses. This is because the economies of developing countries are usually supported by agriculture instead of trade. Hence, they are less affected should any developed country threaten them with trade sanctions for violation of human rights. In such scenarios, developing countries are unlikely to be pressurised enough to stop their human rights abuses.
In conclusion, developing countries are more prone to human rights abuses than developed countries due to the factors aforementioned. The lack of education and functioning legal systems, and the fact that they are less affected by the trade sanctions play a big role in making developing countries more prone to human rights abuses.
