Psychological Impact of Human Rights Violations

Human rights are principles that uphold the worth and dignity of every individual. Individuals’ lives in society, their relationships with one another, their connection with the State, and the State’s obligations to them are all governed by their human rights.

Governments are prohibited from doing certain things under human rights law and are required to do other things. People also have obligations: in exercising their human rights, they have to respect others’ rights. Nobody has the authority to act in a way that infringes on the rights of another government, organization, or individual.

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Why Human Rights are so important?

The Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10th Dec. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, published by the United Nations in 1948, is now regarded as the foundational text for fundamental equality and human dignity. Why are human rights important? These are 5 particular reasons why:

1. Human rights guarantee that people’s basic necessities are satisfied

All people require access to clothing, shelter, food, and water, as well as medication. Because these are part of everyone’s fundamental human rights, everyone is treated with some degree of dignity. Even while millions of people still lack these essentials, by framing the issue as one of human rights, activists and others may work to ensure that everyone has access to them.

2. Human rights promote speech and expression freedom.

It is more expensive to be allowed to talk freely without fear of violent retaliation, even though it is comparable to what you just read above. It includes opinions and modes of expression that not everyone will find acceptable or agreeable, but no one should ever fear that their government will take action against them because of their beliefs. And, it protects those who wish to dispute or argue with specific ideas put forth in their community and works both ways.

3. People have the freedom to practice their religion (or not practice any) thanks to human rights.

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of religious brutality and tyranny, including the Crusades, the Holocaust, and contemporary acts of terrorism. Human rights allow people to pursue their religion and spirituality in peace and recognize its significance. Another human right is the ability to choose not to practice any religion.

4. Human rights promote fair employment possibilities

The ability to work and support oneself enables individuals to thrive in their communities. If individuals fail to recognize the workplace’s potential for prejudice or outright repression, they may subject themselves to mistreatment or inadequate opportunities. The idea of human rights promotes equality and offers guidelines for treating employees.

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5. People can get an education thanks to human rights

Education is vital in communities where poverty is prevalent for a multitude of reasons. To break the cycle of poverty, human rights-focused organizations and governments give access to education, supplies, and other necessities. Viewing education as a right means that everyone, not just the wealthy, can obtain it.

Human Rights Violations

Ensuring that individuals receive reasonable and compassionate treatment is the act of safeguarding human rights. On the other hand, to violate the most fundamental human rights is to deprive people of their morally essential rights. In a way, it treats them as if they are not fully human and do not deserve to receive dignity and respect. Examples include atrocities commonly known as “crimes against humanity,” such as rape, forced sterilization or medical experimentation, genocide, torture, enslavement, and intentional starvation.

A key component of international law is restricting the unbridled authority of the state, as countries occasionally carry out these objectives. Laws that forbid different “crimes against humanity” are based on the non-discrimination principle and the idea that certain fundamental rights are universal.

Effect of Human Rights Violations:

Human Rights protect and empower each and every individual around the globe. But to what extent do we mean rights? If any action that falls outside the scope of Human Rights and goes against it is termed Human Rights Violations.

Trauma, Fear & Helplessness:

When people’s safety and well-being are in jeopardy, human rights breaches can leave victims and communities feeling fearful and powerless. Psychological trauma, which can take the form of symptoms including anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, is a common experience for survivors of human rights violations.

PTSD, Anxiety and sadness:

The ongoing fear of injury or loss may cause those impacted to experience persistent anxiety and sadness because human rights violations are so widespread. Numerous studies in psychology demonstrate that discrimination can make stress worse. Furthermore, even in young children, discrimination-related stress links to mental health problems such as anxiety and sadness. People who have suffered grave human rights violations frequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which causes ongoing distress and functional impairment.

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Suicidal Thoughts:

As survivors attempt to cope with their traumatic experiences, the psychological toll of human rights abuses may increase their risk of suicidal ideation and conduct. Violence is one of the main human rights violations, and According to Richard McKeon, PhD, head of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s suicide prevention section, intimate partner violence and suicide are two serious public health concerns that are intimately related (SAMHSA).
He notes that those who have experienced violence from an intimate partner are twice as likely to try suicide more than once, and that the majority of murder-suicide cases take place in the setting of abuse.

Social Impacts & Trust issues:

When human rights are violated, trust in authorities and other people is damaged, which makes impacted populations feel alone and alienated. Because of the psychological wounds they bear, those who have been subjected to human rights violations may find it difficult to build relationships, hold down a job, and fully engage in society.

Long-term Consequences, Healing & Resilience:

Human rights violations may continue to negatively impact the mental health and general well-being of survivors years after the initial trauma. Providing survivors of violations of human rights with access to community resources and mental health support is essential to their ability to heal and bounce back from abuses.

Also Read: Comprehensive Insights into Mental Health & Mental Disorders

How to prevent Human Rights Violations

Know your Rights: One of the prevalent reasons to stop action against Human rights is to know your rights. Majority of the people don’t know what their rights are.

Example: Women from Rural regions think Domestic violence is a common practice, but it’s a violation to Human rights. It’s better to spread awareness about what rights each and every individual holds.

Speak Against the Wrong

Discrimination, racism, violence against man, women & children stand against human rights. One should speak against all these when they encounter with this type kind of situation.