Beber et al. reading for next class Its an article about the impact of UN peacekeeping troops when they are brought into Liberia Think about what “effects” you expect them to have on the security of the Liberians in Monrovia Then, read the article Think about whether the UN troops have the effect you expect them to have Also, carefully notice HOW the authors identify what effects the UN peacekeepers had

Human Rights Survey Results

Small Group Discussion Criteria for “violation” of human rights "Who" commits it? Government, culture, "the economy"? Views of those whose rights are being violated? If oppressed say they accept their lot in an oppressive system, should we accept that as evidence that they are not oppressed? Other criteria you think are important? Take action or not? If so, which action? Type of action? Magnitude of action? Cost of action to us?

Human Rights Overview Numerous conventions on wide range of human rights Civil, political rights: negative “governments shall not…” Life and liberty, no slavery No arbitrary arrest, presumed innocent, cruel and unusual punishment, Right to assembly, free expression, equal suffrage Freedom of movement within states and freedom to leave own state Economic, social rights: positive “governments must …." Marry and form family Education, work, and leisure Adequate standard of living

NGOs and Transnational Activist Networks in Human Rights Fundamental contradiction of realist expectations (to extent they have influence) What they do Press for creation of NEW international institutions and strengthen EXISTING regimes Monitor performance Mobilize public opinion and sympathetic governments to oppose violations Improve victims' capacity to defend themselves

NGOs and Transnational Activist Networks in Human Rights How they do it Broaden scope of conflict Shift terms of debate Make principled but pragmatic demands

NGOs and Transnational Activist Networks in Human Rights Capacities that NGOs have but states lack Focus on single issue: keep "clean" / "pure" Collect information within other countries borders in ways considered legitimate More willing than states to criticize other governments Work transnationally to develop support

Thinking about HR Tension between sovereignty norm and human rights norms Universal human rights but conditioned by societies How should we define human rights? Once define them, how should we respond when they are violated?