Chapter 10 Pg. 326 #1, 3, 4, 5

1. In your own words, define the term human rights.
-A right that is believed everybody should have.

3. What is the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Why did the members of the United
Nations feel it was necessary to prepare the Declaration?
-It was the first international statement recognizing all human beings deserve certain rights and freedoms. They believe all countries should respect it’s citizens no matter their gender, race, age etc. This document is linked with peace and this document was adopted after the World Wars so the UN was doing their part on keeping world peace.

4. What are the problems of enforcing the Declaration?
-It puts economic, social and cultural pressure on countries.

5. What is the purpose of the ICC? Name a case that has been heard by the court.
-To deal with international human rights abusers. The ICC has the power to investigate and prosecute individuals and political leaders who commit war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity.

-Al Mahdi was sentenced to 9 years for being a perpetrator of a war crime intentionally directing attacks against historic monuments and buildings dedicated to religion.

Cambodian Genocide Project-1breimu

I found it interesting how persistent Vietnam was. Considering the history between the two countries and even though they were told to withdraw they kept fighting for the well-being of Cambodian’s. I also thought it was interesting how the US did not feel obligated to help even though genocide violates all human rights.

1. How did the Holocaust happen?

-There were many laws and events that took place leading up to the Holocaust. All of these were meant to exclude and degrade Jewish and people with disabilities. The government believed Aryans, Germans, were the superior race and all others were inferior. The Holocaust was meant to eliminate the last question of Jews meaning to get rid of the race. Many were killed in concentration camps or put to work in terrible conditions.

2. How did an individual’s geographic location, group or WW2 events impact one’s experience?

-The people that were mainly impacted were the Jewish but it did not matter what country you were from. If Germany invaded a country, the Jewish living there were taken to concentration camps. As Germany took control of more countries more Jews were taken and discriminated against. During WW2, Germany first went after countries they had lost after WW1. He wanted to unite Germany again but after he gained what Hitler believed was rightfully theirs they went after other more powerful countries; like France and the Soviet Union.