Human rights, suffering and responsibility

In this chapter, I argue for maintaining adherence to a specific notion of human rights within or across borders in order to counter fundamental injustices. First, I accept that strong, persistent and contemporary (especially neo-colonialist and imperialist) critiques have created an ambient culture of doubt about human rights. Second, I reject the alternative preference for a practical and institutionalised conception which sees the necessity of channelling action for human rights, as listed in international conventions, through existing national and inter-state institutions. Third, whilst still recognising the value and need for collective action to obtain justice, I argue that it is the personal commitment to respond to, and accept first-level responsibility for, known human suffering that must provide the essential counterweight to the institutional domination of development and human rights