Human Right 3: Right to life

The document is an academic assignment by Rasaq Olajide Olasunkanmi, submitted for the Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology at Atlantic International University. It focuses on the right to life, referred to as Human Right 3, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948. The author discusses the concept of human rights, emphasizing their moral, humanistic, and libertarian elements, which are consistent across various definitions despite contextual differences.

The right to life is presented as a fundamental legal provision that guarantees every individual’s right to exist, asserting that no authority, including the individual themselves, can take away this right. The document traces the historical roots of the right to life back to ancient British legal instruments, such as the Magna Carta and the Habeas Corpus, highlighting that while these documents addressed individual freedoms, it was not until the UDHR that the right to life was explicitly mentioned.

The author argues that the right to life is crucial because it underpins all other rights; without life, other rights become meaningless. The document also explores the moral and ethical components of the right to life, noting that major religions like Islam and Christianity advocate for the protection of human life. The Hammurabi Code is referenced as an early legal framework that forbids the taking of life.

Controversies surrounding the right to life are discussed, including debates on euthanasia, capital punishment, and state-sanctioned killings. Some argue that euthanasia should not be protected under the right to life, especially in cases of terminal illness, while others advocate for capital punishment as a form of justice for severe crimes. The document also critiques the reality of the right to life in contemporary society, pointing out that governments often violate this right through extrajudicial killings, police violence, and state-sponsored executions.

The author emphasizes the need for stronger mechanisms within the United Nations to protect the right to life and calls for civil society organizations to monitor and report violations. In conclusion, the right to life is framed as the most important human right, around which all other rights revolve. The author advocates for strict observance of this right, particularly in developing nations, and suggests that international aid and partnerships should be contingent upon the protection of the right to life.H