Politicizing human rights (HR) and practicing double standards in reference is considered unpopular and unethical but practiced by many especially in the West. As always there were many discussions on the issue during the 51st session of the United Nations HR Council. Of them China’s Xinjiang topped the list as it has been one of the hot favorites in HR dining tables of the west for decades. With China becoming a Millennium Challenge, the interest seems increased. At the recent sessions 68 countries have rejected undue interfering in China's internal affairs and had voted down a USA led draft decision on Xinjiang (October 6) (ref. Chinese sources). With that China once again proved that misinforming the world about Xinjiang to gain political mileage using HR is not easy for the west.

It is a good lesson for other countries that face similar situations. It proves that the international community cannot be misled if proper civic education and communication takes place between the parties concerned. Many believe that SL is one country which does not communicate effectively among the international community to safe guard its image when it comes to HR.

Human Rights in SL

Some Sri Lankans and some of those concerned about HR in SL are not aware of what HR are while others are confused with HR, counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. There are others who turn a blind eye to HR violations due to cultural and religious reasons. Sri Lankans may once again read the Donoughmore commission report to learn how they were analyzed by outsiders to get a balanced view. It will enable present generations to understand why SL was engrossed conflicts for decades and why societies which respect human rights prosper.

Those interested in migrating to other states due to the current socioeconomic crisis also may study the HR violations taking place in the west. Analysts believe that the UN HR body should pay more attention to; systemic racial discrimination, infringement of the rights of migrants, massive killings of innocent civilians in overseas military operations and gun violence etc. taking place in such states. In the USA, the school district in Uvalde, Texas has suspended its entire police force recently five months after a mass shooting claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers.

HR in USA

The firearm homicide/ firearm suicide rates in 2021 recorded high in 30 years. Approx. 20,966 firearm homicides and 26,320 firearm suicides have occurred in the USA in 2021 (approx 8 % increase yoy). These numbers have been highest recorded since 1993 and 1990. Non Hispanic Black or African Americans continued to experience the highest firearm homicide rates in all age groups. The firearm homicide rate among Black young in 2020 is 20 times higher than among White young. Many conditions are said to be associated with homicide and suicide. Inequities in economic, educational, housing, and employment opportunities, structural racism and the COVID pandemic may have worsened the conditions (Ref US sources).

(Writer is an academic and broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations).