Prioritising human rights over sovereignty is essential.
I. Introduction
- Hook: A nation’s sovereignty must not overshadow the fundamental rights of individuals.
- Background: Overview of the tension between national sovereignty and human rights.
- Thesis Statement: While sovereignty is crucial, it should not take precedence over human rights, as human rights ensure justice and dignity for all.
II. Supporting View 1: Importance of Sovereignty for Independence
- Topic Sentence: Sovereignty ensures a nation’s independence and control over its affairs.
- Example 1: Brexit (2016-2021) and the UK’s reclaiming of sovereignty. The UK emphasised national sovereignty in leaving the EU (source: BBC, 2020). https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50838994
- Example 2: Catalonia’s independence movement (2017-2020) in Spain. Catalonia’s push for sovereignty highlights the desire for self-governance (source: El País, 2020). https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2020/10/14/inenglish/1571053213_769769.html
- Example 3: Scottish independence referendum efforts (2019-2021). Scotland seeks sovereignty to control its political future (source: The Guardian, 2021). https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/06/scotland-election-2021-explainer-snp-majority
- Analysis: Sovereignty is essential for maintaining a nation’s independence and self-determination.
III. Supporting View 2: Sovereignty in National Security
- Topic Sentence: Sovereignty allows nations to ensure their security and stability.
- Example 1: France’s anti-terrorism laws post-attacks (2015-2021). Enhanced laws to protect national security (source: France24, 2017). https://www.france24.com/en/20171101-france-lifts-state-emergency-replaced-anti-terror-law
- Example 2: Turkey’s military actions in Syria (2019-2021). Turkey asserts sovereignty to address security threats (source: Al Jazeera, 2019). https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/9/turkey-launches-ground-offensive-in-northeast-syria
- Example 3: India’s revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy (2019). India cites sovereignty and security concerns (source: Reuters, 2019). https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-idUSKCN1V40J5
- Analysis: Sovereignty is vital for addressing national security threats and ensuring stability.
IV. Supporting View 3: Sovereignty in Cultural Preservation
- Topic Sentence: Sovereignty enables the preservation of national culture and identity.
- Example 1: Hungary’s cultural policies (2019-2021). Policies aimed at protecting national heritage and identity (source: DW, 2020). https://www.dw.com/en/hungary-national-culture-heritage/a-55862740
- Example 2: Poland’s judicial reforms (2017-2021) to reflect national values. Reforms to maintain national identity within the EU (source: Euronews, 2020). https://www.euronews.com/2020/01/15/poland-s-ruling-party-defends-judicial-reforms-against-eu-scrutiny
- Example 3: Japan’s immigration policies (2019-2021) to preserve culture. Strict policies aim to maintain cultural homogeneity (source: The Japan Times, 2020). https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/03/national/japan-immigration-rules-stricter-coronavirus/
- Analysis: Sovereignty allows nations to protect and promote their cultural heritage and identity.
V. Opposing View 1: Human Rights as Universal Standards
- Topic Sentence: Prioritising human rights over is important. Human rights are universal standards that should not be compromised.
- Example 1: Myanmar’s military crackdown on protests (2021). International condemnation of human rights abuses (source: Al Jazeera, 2021). https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/4/myanmar-coup-crackdown-deaths-detention-timeline
- Example 2: China’s treatment of Uighurs (2019-2021). Global outcry against human rights violations (source: The Guardian, 2019). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/leak-reveals-china-s-detention-camps-xinjiang-uighur
- Example 3: Belarus’s repression of political dissent (2020-2021). Human rights organisations highlight abuses (source: Human Rights Watch, 2021). https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/25/belarus-authorities-escalate-repression-protesters
- Analysis: Prioritising human rights ensures the protection of fundamental freedoms and dignity.
VI. Opposing View 2: International Accountability
- Topic Sentence: Nations must be held accountable internationally for human rights violations.
- Example 1: International sanctions on North Korea (2019-2021). Sanctions aim to address human rights abuses (source: Reuters, 2020). https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-sanctions-idUSKBN27W1B1
- Example 2: ICC investigation into war crimes in Palestine (2020-2021). International efforts to hold violators accountable (source: Al Jazeera, 2021). https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/3/icc-opens-investigation-into-possible-war-crimes-in-palestine
- Example 3: EU sanctions on Russia over Navalny poisoning (2021).
- Analysis: International accountability mechanisms are essential for upholding human rights standards.
VII. Opposing View 3: Long-term Peace and Stability
- Topic Sentence: Prioritising human rights over ensures long-term peace and stability.
- Example 1: South Africa’s post-apartheid reconciliation efforts (2019-2021) Emphasis on human rights fostered long-term peace (source: News24, 2020). https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/reconciliation-and-nation-building-20201218
- Example 2: Colombia’s peace process (2016-2021) prioritising human rights. Human rights focus helped end decades of conflict (source: DW, 2021). https://www.dw.com/en/colombias-peace-process-five-years-on/a-56940757
- Example 3: Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement (1998-2021). Human rights provisions contributed to lasting peace (source: The Irish Times, 2020). https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/analysis-good-friday-agreement-still-standing-the-test-of-time-1.4214605
- Analysis: Long-term peace and stability are better ensured when human rights are prioritised.
VIII. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: While sovereignty is crucial, it should not take precedence over human rights, as human rights ensure justice and dignity for all.
- Summary of Key Points: Sovereignty for independence, security, and culture versus universal human rights, international accountability, long-term stability.
- Final Thought: Balancing sovereignty with human rights is essential for global justice and enduring peace.