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Posted on 2-4-08 Freedom From Our Social Prisons
The Rise of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. By Anthony George
Ravlich, Lexington Books. Discounted Price: $60.00 Go to
lexingtonbooks.com and search keyword `ravlich'
In his noteworthy new book, Anthony Ravlich reminds us of the critical
need for comprehensive human rights education in order for the poor and
disadvantaged to be able to hold state's accountable to fulfill their
minimum core obligations under economic and social human rights law.
Ravlich accurately points to the devastating impact of structural violence
and neoliberal economic policies on the lives of millions who now live in
squalor and poverty. He effectively argues that economic globalization
proceeded prematurely as it did not include simultaneous economic and
social rights protection. Ravlich eloquently calls on states to stop
"fudging" on their core minimum obligations and respect the economic
rights of the poor.
This informed study will be of great use to all concerned with social
justice."—William F. Felice, professor of international relations and
global affairs, Eckerd College
The purpose of this book is to provide a belief system to empower people
using the democratic system and human rights law.
This author contends that neo-liberalism has created a large underclass
and has impinged upon the right to development for those who do not fit
into the "neo-liberal square". Economic, social, and cultural rights,
which have been rising in importance within the United Nations and have
been denied to many, can be implemented using the core minimum obligations
as defined by the General Comments of the United Nations Committee on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This will go a long way toward
civilizing neo-liberalism.
Core minimum obligations such as ensuring basic shelter and housing and
essential primary health care only amount to "top-down" provisions. This
book argues that people are most likely to become aware of their human
rights if these rights are taught using a more elementary, "bottom-up"
approach. Consequently human rights education should also be regarded as a
core minimum obligation especially given that the people of the world have
been deliberately kept ignorant of what constitutes basic human rights.
Human rights education will enable people to decide through the democratic
process whether they want to see economic, social and cultural rights
included in domestic human rights law.
About the Author
Anthony George Ravlich is founder and chairperson of the Human Rights
Council Inc. in New Zealand.
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