Stephani
By: Stephanie A-Hosn, Human rights activist
I would like to introduce you to The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it set forth, for the first time, fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected (United Nations).
The UDHR consists of a series of rights granted to every individual on the planet, regardless of their beliefs, background, or ethnicity. However, despite its significance, the declaration is not legally binding.I am writing this article inspired by a recent personal experience.
Just the other day, I attempted to express my free opinion on recent global events, specifically the latest happenings in the Middle East region. To my surprise and dismay, I was banned from publishing my content even though it contained nothing but peaceful language.
This incident represents a gross violation of my human rights. What makes this even more troubling is the stark contradiction between the values taught in the American and the West Institutions and what is practiced in reality. Throughout my studies in International Affairs at the American University we were taught that “freedom of opinion and expression” is a sacred right—one that we are born with and that no one can take away from us.
We were led to believe that these ideals were upheld without compromise, particularly in societies that champion the so-called democracy. Article 19 of the UDHR clearly states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”.
Yet, I now find myself questioning the reality of this “universal” right. I raise this question to the international community and to all advocates of democracy, who by extension are advocacy also to freedom of expression. How do you reconcile this double standard in the practice and implementation of the West’s policies? Can we all agree that this constitutes a clear violation of human rights and personal dignity?
The right to express one’s opinion freely is not a luxury; it is a fundamental pillar of any free and democratic society. I urge the global community, every believer in a world of fairness and equality to reflect on this issue. The gap between the American academic theory and real-world practice must be addressed without bias or suppression.
Finally, in my view—applicable to all pillars of society, whether in the East or West—we should prioritize the empowerment of critical thinking (“brain booming”) over the manipulation and control of minds (“brainwashing
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