The concept of rights has been a cornerstone in the evolution of human civilization, shaping societies and defining the relationship between individuals and the state. Yet, the journey towards recognizing and securing these rights has been anything but linear, especially in the context of third world countries.
These nations, often burdened by colonial legacies, economic exploitation, and political instability, have faced unique challenges in their quest for rights and dignity. The struggle for rights in these regions is not just a legal or political issue; it is deeply intertwined with social, moral, and human responsibilities.
In ancient civilizations, rights were often reserved for the elite, with most of the population living under oppressive systems. For instance, in ancient Rome, the rights of citizens were vastly different from those of slaves, who were considered property rather than human beings with inherent rights.
The Middle Ages saw the rise of feudalism, where the rights of the common people were almost non-existent, while the feudal lords held absolute power.
Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought during the Enlightenment era.
Locke's assertion that the state's primary duty is to protect life, liberty, and property became a basis of liberal democracy. Rousseau's famous declaration that "Man is born free; but everywhere he is in chains" emphasized the inherent contradiction between the natural rights of individuals and the oppressive structures of society.
The French Revolution became a rallying cry for those seeking to overthrow oppressive regimes. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted during the revolution, proclaimed that "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."
While the Enlightenment and subsequent revolutions in Europe and America advanced the cause of rights, the situation in the third world was markedly different. Colonial rule, which lasted for centuries in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, left a legacy of economic exploitation, political instability, and social fragmentation. The colonial powers, driven by the pursuit of wealth and power, subjugated the local populations, denying them basic rights and freedoms.
Even after achieving independence, many third world countries struggled to establish democratic systems that respected and protected the rights of their citizens. The transition from colonial rule to self-governance was often fraught with challenges, including political instability, corruption, and authoritarianism. In many cases, the new ruling elites, who had fought for independence, became the new oppressors, perpetuating the cycle of rights violations.
The lack of education and awareness further compounded the problem. In many third world countries, the majority of the population was illiterate and unaware of their rights. The concept of rights, as understood in the West, was often alien to these societies, where traditional and communal values took precedence over individual rights. This lack of awareness made it easier for authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain control.
Despite these challenges, the people of the third world have not been passive victims of oppression. History is replete with examples of resistance and struggle for rights. From the anti-colonial movements in India and Africa to the civil rights movements in Latin America, the people of the third world have fought tirelessly for their rights.
The people of the third world have heard about their rights for ages, but what these rights entail is often unclear. Many people do not fully understand their rights or how to claim them
However, the process of forming awareness of rights in these regions has been complex and painful. Colonial rule, economic subjugation, political instability, and lack of education did not allow the people of this region to develop a sense of real rights. Due to ensuing autocracy, corruption, and repression in the state structure, people did not get the opportunity to know about their rights.
But when individuals or groups are oppressed, they become aware of their rights and build resistance. The desire for revenge, born out of years of oppression, often fuels this resistance. This sentiment has been echoed by countless leaders and activists in the third world, who have stood up against tyranny and injustice.
The idea that rights are not a gift of mercy but a birthright demand of every human being is a powerful one. However, the realization of this birthright has been elusive for many.
The people of the third world have heard about their rights for ages, but what these rights entail is often unclear. Many people do not fully understand their rights or how to claim them. This has allowed authoritarian regimes to continue their oppressive practices with impunity.
The state plays a crucial role in the protection of rights. As Locke argued, the state's primary duty is to protect life, liberty, and property. However, in many third world countries, the state has been the primary violator of rights. Authoritarian regimes, often supported by powerful elites, have used the state apparatus to suppress dissent and maintain control.
The lack of accountability and transparency in these regimes has further worsened the problem. Corruption, nepotism, and cronyism have become endemic, undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust in state institutions. In such a context, the protection of rights becomes a distant dream, and resistance becomes the only option for those seeking justice.
Colonialism, with its emphasis on exploitation and subjugation, left a deep imprint on the societies it touched. The economic structures established during the colonial period often persisted after independence, perpetuating inequality and injustice.
Globalization, while bringing economic opportunities, has also led to the erosion of local cultures and traditions, further complicating the rights discourse. International institutions, such as the United Nations, have played a role in promoting human rights globally. However, their impact has been limited by the realities of power politics.
The interests of powerful nations often take precedence over the rights of the marginalized, leading to a selective application of human rights principles.
The real protection of rights is possible only through the collective efforts of the individual, society, and the state. Those who are trying to defend their rights have to fight constantly, because history shows that the path to rights has never been easy. A state can be considered democratic and civilized in the true sense only when its citizens are aware of their rights and the state assumes responsibility to protect them. Otherwise, resistance is inevitable in society.
The people of the third world, who have endured centuries of oppression, deserve support and solidarity. The fight for rights is not just their fight; it is a fight for the dignity and humanity of us all. As Martin Luther King Jr so eloquently put it, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Let us stand together in the pursuit of justice, for it is only through collective action that we can hope to achieve a world where rights are respected and protected for all.
HM Nazmul Alam is an academic, journalist, and political analyst. Email: [email protected]
