ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that in the contemporary world, human rights doctrine and practice face three challenges. The first is the challenge of universality and the need to ensure resonance in all societies. It will particularly look at substantive questioning of human rights, including with regard to the ‘Asian values’ discourse, and the allegation that double standards prevent universal application, as well as the lack of universality when it comes to the rights of women. The second challenge relates to the fact that warfare is changing and many of the foundations of human rights based on civil and political rights are being challenged and transformed. Finally, increasingly non-state actors are playing an important role in political and social development. Human rights, with its state focus, may be unable to fully respond to the types of injustices that people face in their daily lives.
