Theories and approaches to human rights

The first chapter indicated the physical, social, economic and political environment in which human rights in the region exist. These practical considerations have considerable influence on the quotidian experience of rights. Chapter two looked at the idea of rights as human rights and indicated the legal framework which gives form to human rights in the region. Also relevant, although less immediately apparent, is the theoretical or philosophical environment which has informed contemporary discourse on human rights. This chapter considers the theoretical background to the human rights of today, drawing attention to the differing perspectives of human rightswhich influence theway inwhich rights are stated and assessed in order to examinewhether human rights’ theories can themselves account for some of the difficulties faced by human rights in the region.