Jill Stavert is a member of St John's and lecturer in international human rights. Here she explores some theme raised in the recent book edited by the Archbishop of York. Copies of the book may be obtained from Cornerstone Bookshop (0131 229 3776)
On Rock or Sand, edited by the Archbishop of York, will resonate with many and pose serious challenges for the Church.
Human rights recognise the equal value of all human beings. They are essential in protecting people who are at their most vulnerable. Yet, even these can be manipulated and ignored with detrimental effects for social justice if we are not careful. For example, full recognition of socio-economic rights (e.g. to welfare benefits, employment and housing, and related support and services) is integral to the attainment of social justice. However, progressive governments refuse to give full effect to such rights, as they are identified in international treaties, in national law thus making them very difficult to implement where they are most needed. Civil and political rights are also important here and are, in contrast, given effect domestically. That being said, the current government and the media have a tendency to discredit them when it suits by disingenuously focusing on how they assist the perceived “undeserving” rather than on their undeniable benefit to all humankind. In addition, the current societal ‘climate’ makes it easier for the individualistic nature of human rights to be misinterpreted by those who think that it is their rights, and their rights alone, that must prevail over all else in society and this is also unhelpful.
To not fully recognise the richness that every human being brings to the world and to deny support to people who contribute in many different ways is to deny our Christian ideals. As On Rock or Sand argues, the Church most certainly must play a significant and proactive role in preventing any continuance of this and in restoring solidarity and the pursuit of social justice for all.
Very broadly, the common theme throughout the book is that society has lost its direction. The ideals of solidarity and working towards a truly common good that includes freedom for all and social justice - values that the Church has traditionally espoused and supported - has been diluted by excessive consumerism and self-interest. The following are some generalised, and rather simplistic, observations arising from this.
One may be forgiven for thinking that self-interest and a desire for material gain are useful tools in the hands of politicians and governments. All too often appeals are made to our selfishness rather than our selflessness to gain support for their policies. Moreover, it is frequently believed that economic recovery can only be achieved, and social problems thereby resolved, by equating the value of people with their economic output. However, what this does is to fragment society. It is used to justify the lack of, or reduced, support for those who for reasons beyond their control are unable to contribute sufficiently to such economic output. The worth of those who are, for example, unemployed, suffer from physical or mental disability, unintentionally homeless and even those who do not create wealth but provide vital support and services (e.g. those working in social and pastoral care, nurses, charity and community workers) is thus diminished. Employers, commercial and financial entities tend also to favour this approach. Moreover, many in the electorate appear willing to collude. A reluctance to share that which is available, or lack of awareness, on the part of those who are deemed to be more ‘economically useful’ prevents pressure being applied to governments to redress the imbalance and provide a more equitable outcome.
Human rights recognise the equal value of all human beings. They are essential in protecting people who are at their most vulnerable. Yet, even these can be manipulated and ignored with detrimental effects for social justice if we are not careful. For example, full recognition of socio-economic rights (e.g. to welfare benefits, employment and housing, and related support and services) is integral to the attainment of social justice. However, progressive governments refuse to give full effect to such rights, as they are identified in international treaties, in national law thus making them very difficult to implement where they are most needed. Civil and political rights are also important here and are, in contrast, given effect domestically. That being said, the current government and the media have a tendency to discredit them when it suits by disingenuously focusing on how they assist the perceived “undeserving” rather than on their undeniable benefit to all humankind. In addition, the current societal ‘climate’ makes it easier for the individualistic nature of human rights to be misinterpreted by those who think that it is their rights, and their rights alone, that must prevail over all else in society and this is also unhelpful.
To not fully recognise the richness that every human being brings to the world and to deny support to people who contribute in many different ways is to deny our Christian ideals. As On Rock or Sand argues, the Church most certainly must play a significant and proactive role in preventing any continuance of this and in restoring solidarity and the pursuit of social justice for all.
Jill Stavert
