Human Rights - Past Paper 2 Exam Questions
Paper 2 is an essay paper, with two questions set on each of the four core units. At least one of
the questions for each unit is firmly anchored in that unit, whereas the second question may
open up for a more cross-unit approach.
Questions firmly anchored in the Human Rights unit (grouped by learning outcome)
Nature and evolution of human rights
● “The evolution of human rights since 1948 has undermined the effectiveness of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” To what extent do you agree with this claim?
● Discuss whether subsequent human rights laws and treaties have strengthened The
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
● “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is no longer relevant for dealing with
human rights issues in the 21st century.” To what extent do you agree with this claim?
Codification, protection and monitoring of human rights
● The central problem with international human rights laws and treaties is that they are
open to different interpretations. Discuss this view.
● To what extent is the protection and enforcement of human rights in developing countries
best pursued at the national level?
● Evaluate the means that can be used to protect and enforce human rights in countries
that fall short of international standards.
● Examine the claim that human rights as presented in treaties and covenants are not
enforceable, and are therefore of little use to vulnerable populations.
● “A national or regional approach to human rights enforcement is more effective than a
global approach.” Discuss.
Practice of human rights
● “People who are forced to move from their homes due to circumstances beyond their
control remain vulnerable, despite developments in human rights laws and treaties.”
Examine this view.
Debates surrounding human rights: differing interpretations of justice, liberty and
equality
● Justify the claim that the debate between universal rights and cultural relativism is useful
for codifying and protecting human rights.
● Discuss whether the politicization of human rights has hindered their universal
application.
● “Universal rights should take precedence over cultural relativism in the formation of
human rights treaties and covenants.” Discuss this view.
● “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) seeks to impose a Western view of
human rights on non-Western societies.” To what extent do you agree with this criticism?
● Discuss the extent to which cultural relativism can be used to justify different concepts of
human rights.
Questions that take a cross-unit approach (grouped by secondary unit)
Power, sovereignty and international relations
● Evaluate the view that human rights limit state power in global politics.
● “For human rights laws and treaties to be effective, states must give up some
sovereignty.” Evaluate this statement.
● Discuss the claim that negotiations are effective in promoting human rights.
● Discuss the claim that power is the main variable affecting human rights.
● To what extent has the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provided the basis for
contemporary political movements for social change.
● Examine the effectiveness of non-state actors in advancing the protection of human
rights.
Development
● Discuss whether environmental factors pose the greatest threat to human rights at both
the national and international levels.
● “Human rights must be prioritized for successful development to occur in developing
countries.” Discuss this view.
● To what extent is the effective enforcement of human rights tied to the level of
development in a state?
● Discuss the claim that development in industrializing countries often violates universal
rights to a clean environment and to the humanitarian treatment of labor.
● “Human rights covenants and treaties can limit development in newly industrializing
economies.” To what extent do you agree with this claim?
Peace and conflict
● “The most significant cause of human rights violations in global politics is structural
violence.” Discuss this view.