Discussion: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

View the following video about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the following video which represents an opinion about our failure to defend these human rights by former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (YouTube 6:10) (Links to an external site.)

Also, view the following video which represents an opinion about our failure to defend these human rights by former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein (This video includes scenes of graphic violence):

World Leaders are Failing Human Rights. Here's Why. | NYT Opinion (YouTube, 5:00) (Links to an external site.)

After watching the videos and reading through the 30 Articles of the Declaration, post a thoughtful discussion addressing the following questions:

• What do you think is the purpose of the Declaration of Human Rights? Is it effective?
• What are its strengths and weaknesses?
• Do you agree with the former U. N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein that our world leaders are failing to defend these basic human rights? Why or why not?
• Choose two Articles that you think are among the most important in the Declaration. Explain what these mean to you and why you think they are important.
• What moral/ethical principles and theories are reflected in the Articles you chose?
• For which real-world issues in our modern society do the Articles you chose have relevance and applicability? Be specific.