The Contemporary Issues in Human Rights not only showed why the United Nations system is supported by many countries but why the sense of injustice continues and why basic human rights violations have not ended as well. Through the lectures and assignments that required further research on the given topics, I understood how political, social, cultural, and civil rights are adapted into national and international legal systems. As listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, people, communities, corporations, as well as the international community have the responsibility of protecting social and international order and, hence, human rights.
But unfortunately, only a few people enjoy these rights in reality.
Similar to the research, the course attempted to explain why nations continue to disrespect human rights. Also, the course helps my research attempt to answer this question, "Who are the stakeholders who must respect human rights in the context of the Palestinian conflict during the Sheikh Jarrah clashes on Instagram?" Although this question may be perceived to be obvious, it can be explored insightfully using the resources of this specific course. From the course resources, including Arat (2006) and Bantekas and Oette (2013), an answer to the question can be: the worst transgressions and abuses are often committed by states. On the other hand, states have the governing authority to use the legislature, foreign authorities, and courts to prevent human rights violations. I was amazed that the course bridged my knowledge gap on issues such as freedom of expression and religion, which are critical to the research study.
The course dispelled my earlier belief that the protection of human rights is not only a function of the state but of other state and non-state actors such as international organizations. That individuals need to voluntarily respect the rights of others and that human rights have a role in challenging some national laws and practices.