Constructing Reason: Human Rights and the Democratization of the United Nations

The United Nations involvement in the extension of the understanding of human rights is investigated. Differences between the European Enlightenments & the contemporary international communitys conceptions of human rights are highlighted. Several developments within the United Nations that have expanded human rights to marginalized or disregarded groups are subsequently illuminated including the formation of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights; the passage of the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural, and Social Rights; the extension of human rights to children, migrant workers, refugees, & women; the identification of the fundamental values of human rights (eg, freedom & solidarity); & the participation of United Nations peacekeeping forces in nations experiencing internal conflict. In addition, it is demonstrated that non-governmental organizations have significantly increased the human rights of certain groups, eg, people with disabilities, throughout the world. Several recommendations for further expanding human rights in conjunction with the United Nations are also offered, eg, identify populations whose human rights have been traditionally overlooked like immigrants & criminal offenders. References. J. W. Parker