GLOBALIZATION AND THE DILEMMA OF SOVEREIGNTY: ASSESSING THE IMPACT ON INDIGENOUS RIGHTS

 

AUTHORED BY - DR. SHAZIA PARWEEN

Designation - Assistant Professor,

 Department of Human Rights, Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University)

Email Id - shaziaparween@jamiahamdard.ac.in,

Contact Number - 9971541223

 

CO-AUTHOR - AKSHAY JAIN

Designation - Ph.D. Scholar at law faculty, University of Delhi

Email Id - adv.akshayjain@gmail.com

Contact Number - 9871587010

 

 

Globalization has brought immense changes in the lives of people around the world. Now, the world has become a big community, transcending the barriers of boundary and increasing interdependence and interpenetration among countries. Undoubtedly, globalization has encouraged and liberalized the market economy. It has encouraged business and new ideas of innovations, but the question arises whether all the countries around the world benefited equally. Is it a boom for human lives, or is it a new form of imperialism?

 

Globalization has opened a new paradigm of discussion. It has brought great social changes. Entire lives are affected by it. It has accelerated the degradation and pollution of the environment. Many social movements can be seen as a retaliation of globalisation. The life of human beings is affected by almost everything, because human beings are at the centre of any social changes. So, it becomes important to critically analyse; the changes are benefiting lives at large, or are serving the purpose of very few; smart, elite and manipulators of world politics.

 

Keywords- Globalization, Human Rights, Elite Class, Social Movement, Imperialism

INTRODUCTION

This research paper will focus upon the multifaceted relationship between globalization and human rights, analyzing how the global integration of economies has influenced the social, political and economic structure of the entire world. Globalization has widened the gap between rich and poor nations. Security Council, World Bank and International Monetary Fund are often influenced by international policies, impacting on the rights of decent living of individuals, especially in developing nations.

 

Human beings are evolving day by day; their evolution is being affected by many factors.[1] One such factor is globalization. Globalization has great potential to affect the social, economic and political structure of the entire world. This research paper will deal with the relationship between globalization and human rights, and how it triggered many social movements. The social, political and economic scenario of the entire world is changing, and so it is transforming the lives of human beings.  The disparities of wealth and power have been widened, according to critics of globalization. Rich and powerful countries (through the Security Council, World Bank and International Monetary Fund) influence the entire world through their investment, environmental management and social policy. Globalization empowers stronger countries, and developing nations, in most scenarios, are only rule-followers. Many international policies are drafted in such a way, that the interests of farmers and small businesses are affected badly. Due to globalization, many developing countries are creating a proper investment climate, irrespective of considering environmental norms. Ignoring the fact that economic benefits cannot be reaped longer, ignoring the environment's safety.

 

Earlier countries have inward-oriented growth, which means earlier countries had highly protected and regulated economic norms and relied heavily on state-owned enterprises. Due to growth in communication and technologies, the 1990s saw the economies of the world open for privatization, liberalization and globalization. India, because of some unavoidable conditions, faced severe depletion of foreign exchange in the 1990s. To overcome the economic crisis, with the help of the World Bank and IMF, India opened its door of economic liberalization and globalization. 

 

Globalization is driven by the principal of a liberalized and free-market economy. State-cantered economy is now overshadowed by a global free market-influenced economic system. Some countries in the world are more powerful. They influence the economic and social policies of the world. Under-developed and developing countries are still facing struggle for economic stabilization and better living standards.[2] This paper will examine the role of globalization, and how it has affected the life of human beings in terms of environmental rights and economic, social and cultural perspectives. Globalization is a well-known phenomenon in today’s world. Globalization means interconnected and interdependent of people around the world. This phenomenon is further accelerated through improved and advanced communications, transportation and technological growth. Undoubtedly, globalization has brought a new paradigm in our living standards. It has affected our lives both positively and negatively.

 

The entire world is now facing new challenges of social movements. Generally, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization manage the political economy of the world, and the policies of these international institutions are determined by the richest industrialized countries. Financial elites and corporate institutions of the world have the hegemony upon the world’s financial capital. It’s a fact that social evils, such as hunger, poverty and unemployment, are becoming serious a threat and its eradication is increasingly difficult.

 

Article 56 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that we must all have faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity of the human person. All the nations of the world should come together on common grounds, and should promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedom. For the attainment of the global market capture, the basic human rights are side line. Most countries around the world are working on the philosophies of capitalism and the globalised economic system. Social norms are now considered out-dated and irrelevant.

 

ECONOMIC RIGHTS

We cannot deny the fact that, due to globalization, we are able to get better products and at a relatively cheaper rate. The complete world is now open for our consumption. The national boundaries, are becoming weaker, hence a new world is emerging, where there is great competition, for economic growth. Although we are able to purchase our desired products at an affordable rate, it has ruining our society and making it shallow day by day, where there is no humanism but only competition and obsession for maximum profit benefit.[3] 

 

It is good that due to technological advancement and no boundary phenomena, we are able to get the best of world products, weather in terms of learning, experiencing or exploring new ideas. But, it is also cannot be denied that the cost of education and basic life supporting services (health, hygienic food and water, wholesome and healthy environment around) is increasing drastically, which is for middle class, becoming very hard to afford. As it is regarded that the living standards of human beings have increased due to globalization, but it cannot be denied that the cost of decent living has also increased drastically, middle class man is always trapped in fulfilling the needs of his family. Although the income is increasing, due to high living standards, most people do not enjoy economic independence. With time, and due to globalization, consumerism has also increased, which has highlighted the side effects of globalization.

 

The much talked about issue is the status of labour around the world. Globalization has led to the concept of multinational corporations (MNCs).[4] It means, due to technological advancements, the company may be in another country, and the employee can work for that particular company from his/her home country. It is good that one can explore and get the working experience of an international company. But, the taste of working in multinational companies is not always soothing. Mostly, these companies operate on the philosophy of profit motives. They may pay a pretty good salary to their employees, but if these companies face any kind of hardness or if the competition increases, then the evil of cost cutting comes into the picture. These companies reduce safety measures for their employees, poor working conditions, lack of basic amenities and lack of social security; violating basic rights, such as, right to fair wages, right to a dignified life, right to health (physical and mental) and the right to proper working conditions etc. Nowadays, huge job cuts, voluntary retirement schemes (VRS) from these companies, are also aggrieving the issues of human rights violations, in the form of violation of the right to work. Instead of permanent or regular employees, the practice of keeping contractual workers has grown. Is this jobless growth be considered as economic reform?[5]

 

Further, it is vigilant, that women working in these companies are more in vulnerable conditions. As they lack bargaining powers and as they are easily accommodated, they face several issues related to their security. Their personal and social life is ruined at the cost of their economic independence. Due to globalisation, there is a steep weakening in the labour regulations in many countries. As a result, the workers in these companies are not in a condition to negotiate for healthy working conditions or a better salary. Above that, the workers may even face reprisals for demanding their rights. The lack of strong and proper international regulations and accountability of these companies, encourages them to act with indemnity aggravate economic inequalities and violate the economic rights of weaker sections of societies.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS

Earlier, the impact of the environment was not considered as a violator of human rights. But, with the passage of time and the degradation and pollution of the environment, the importance and necessity of a healthy environment is demanded.[6]  Globalisation has brought a mix of changes (positive and negative) in economic, social and cultural paradigms; but, the change it has brought to the environment is pathetic and irrecoverable. There is a steep rise in consumerism; it has led to the demand for resources. As the demand for resources increases, the exploitation of the environment is increasing. Nowadays, it has become a trend for industrial agriculture; it means growing crops according to the demand of industry. Continuously extracting the resources (plants, flora and fauna, water, minerals) without considering its repairable mechanism, has degraded and polluted the environment at a large scale. Mostly, there are weak environmental laws in developing countries, and in these countries, often development is considered as the eradicator of all economic problems. But, unfortunately, they forget the outcomes of one-sided development. These developing countries are now facing the aggrieving issues of land slides, floods, droughts, earthquakes etc. MNCs operating in these countries also hardly care about the environmental loss, which they are continuously doing in the facets of development. Further, globalisation and industrialisation have brought growth in urbanisation which further increased the pollution level.[7]

 

Due to the eradication of national boundaries, the global supply chain has improved over time. It led to the increase in greenhouse gases and affected climate change. Further, due to deforestation, there is continuously degradation and pollution of the environment. Deforestation also results in the loss of habitat to many species. These species are now at the level of instinct or endangered. Many new animal-borne diseases are spreading evasively.

 

Considering the depletion of the environment, the 5 R’s have been introduced: Refuse, Reduce, and Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle. The environment needs preservation and protection. Consumerism enhances economic growth, but also brings depletion and pollution. Now, through young brains, new ideas are generated. According to which, we should refuse to buy unnecessary commodities, reduce waste, reuse what we have not fully used, re-purpose and recycle the used material into another product for its maximum utilisation and material cost reduction.[8]      

 

SOCIAL RIGHTS

Globalisation has facilitated the advancement and greater access to information and communication, enabling people to be more educated, informed and aware of their human rights and the violations that occur. Increased interconnection among countries and social media platforms enables people to share information, raise awareness and be able to monitor and address human rights abuses all around the world.  It has led to the growth of organised civil societies and the expansion of human rights advocacy. Increased use of technologies and surveillance has increased pressure on governments and other agencies to address these issues and hold governments and other actors accountable for their actions. But, still, there is a long way to go, because there are a lot of causes related to human rights violations, which go unreported and unanswered.[9]

 

Globalization is affected social existence in terms of access to sufficient, healthy, and hygienic food and water, suitable housing, education, health, and social security. Globalisation has led to easy accessibility to goods and services, but it has dug the hollow pit of inequality within and between countries.[10] Globalisation has facilitated the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of small groups of multinational corporations and wealthy individuals, leading to the marginalization of large groups of people.

 

Privatization of basic services such as healthcare and education has made it quite difficult for low income families to receive good quality health care and education and hence they are exposed to substandard services.[11]

 

The housing market has been groomed over time, leading to the commodification of housing. Now, housing business is also associated with profit concentration. Globalization has also led to the gentrification of metropolitan areas, the eviction of low-income neighbourhoods, homelessness for many low-income people, and living in unplanned, slum parts of cities.[12]

 

CULTURAL RIGHTS

Globalisation, bringing the entire world together, through the growth of mass media and the internet, has also resulted in the loss of cultural and traditional diversities. Spreading of global culture, or the westernised culture and values, has resulted in the erosion of local cultures and traditions, which further threatened the minorities and survival of many indigenous cultures.

 

Due to economic competition, especially in developing countries are side-lining their environment, continuous use and mishandling of resources has caused environmental degradation and pollution. We are facing a lack of parks and gardens, and are now forced to spend our leisure time, especially children, playing indoor games, especially gadget-related games[13]. Culture has changed a lot. Now the younger generations are lacking fresh air, and open areas, they are more attracted to malls and gyms. They love to eat globalised food items (Chinese, Italian, Mexican etc.) instead of eating localised fruits and grains. Foreign and costly products are more attractive for them. Wearing western clothes gives them the sense of liberalised and globalised individuals. Night outs and clubs are becoming common, especially in urban areas. Commercialisation has increased a lot, Instead of saving, they expend money on unnecessary commodities, taking unwanted loans and living their lives on credit cards[14]. Is this lifestyle worth living, eating a high-calorie diet, drinking carbonated water, spending sleepless nights, where are we heading towards, having all the luxurious items, but unfortunately, lacking the mental peace and good health. Cases of heart attacks and depression are a gift of our modern and liberal lifestyles.

 

Due to globalisation, national boundaries no longer exist. Now any change in any part of the world, sooner or later, is experienced by the entire world. Recently, the case of Covid-19, the outbreak was in China, but thanks to the globalised world, the deadly waves of Covid -19, created havoc and outbreaks for the entire world. One sided development, in terms of a liberalised economic system, and improved military setups, brought setbacks for ignoring social reforms related to health and empowerment.[15] 

 

Exploitation of cultural artifacts and a growing market of economically cheap and affordable products in the market have resulted in the loss of local artifacts. Cultural diversities can be seen in terms of foods, clothes and accessories used, but now the entire world can be seen, especially the new generations, are more comfortable and adaptable towards western foods and clothing, giving them the sense of “pride, cool and acceptable” among their peers. Youngsters are the heritage of their cultures and traditions, but unfortunately, globalisation has also resulted in the loss of local cultures and the dominance of westernised cultures and traditions.[16]  

 

CONCLUSION

Globalisation is now a well-known phenomenon, considering all its aspects, it can be said that globalisation needs its re-shaping. Each and every section of society should be benefited by wealth and opportunities equally. Still, many countries lack technical skills, especially the women, backward classes and other disadvantaged groups. Technical awareness will bring changes in society, more aware, responsive and accountable humans will feel a sense of partnership in globalisation.  To ensure sustainable and equitable development among all nations, there is a need for coordination and networking among all the sections of society. Above all, the rights and freedom of all people should be focused in any form of development.

 

Everything has its two facets; similarly, globalisation has brought more awareness and spread of consciousness towards Human Rights. More cases of human rights violations are now being addressed globally. Growth of civil societies, easy and friendly international policies have resulted in easy accessible to good and services across the border. It has also facilitated the expansion of economic opportunities. New and innovative ideas are now possible to be addressed and admired. Undoubtedly, the lives of some sections of people have become better and progressed.

 

The era of globalisation has triggered threats to upholding human rights and properly addressing human dignity issues. Although governments and international organisations like the United Nations are taking care of more human rights issues, with time, egregious breaches of human rights are also on the rise. Globalisation failed to enhance and glorify the lives of one and all. Somehow, globalisation has led to the mental and physical exploitation of workers. The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few has resulted in widening the gap between rich and poor. Harmful and illogical cultural practices and ideologies have resulted in the loss of local cultures and traditions. To ensure the benefits of globalisation should reach equally to all, it becomes important for policy makers to holistically and critically examine the noble idea of globalisation.

 

Any changes and new ideas should be welcomed but not blindly admired.  All nations are not the same, nor are their struggles also similar. Cultural variations cannot be ignored. So, instead of following any new idea, proper critical analysis should be studied in detail. Holistic understanding will bring the maximum benefit. It’s a fact; globalisation cannot be ignored in today’s world. But, it can be improved. New norms and policies should be amended and considered. All the nations of the world can be benefited equally. What is needed is some awareness and accountability on the part of international and national elites. There should be no concentration of powers. But redistribution of powers will open new doors for human progress. Simultaneously, it becomes a duty of all domestic governments to invest in their human resources. Skilled and technically advanced individuals can only survive in this changed world. New technologies, especially AI-chat GPT, will replace human beings with more advanced humans like robots. New norms are needed; stereotyped upbringing will hamper individuals. An alarming time is there, and so it not only becomes the duty of the state, but also the duty of all humans to adapt in an ever changing world, in order to survive with dignity and pride.

 

Human rights make us human beings. Human rights deals with our consciousness towards changing human issues. Human survival can only be benefited fully if our rights are protected.  Advanced and skilled humans will serve the needs and respond successfully to the harmful penalties of globalisation. This is the biggest philosophical challenge the entire world is facing, as being neighbours of one another.

 

References

DOCUMENTS:

World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987.

United Nation Conference on Environment and Development, 1989.

United Nation Conference on Environment and Development or Earth Summit, 1992.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992.

 

BOOKS:

1. A. Brysk, Globalization and Human Rights. 30 (Berkeley: University of California Press., 2002)
2. Arjun Dev, Indira Arjun Dev and Supita Das, Human Rights a Source Book, (National Council of Educational Research and training, 1996)
3. Bhagwati, J. In Defense of Globalization. 56 (London: Oxford University Press. 2007)
4. B. P. Sehgal (ed.) Human Rights in India (Deep and Deep Publications, New Delhi, 2004)
5. B. Stephens, The amorality of profit: transnational corporations and human rights, 20-45 (Berkeley Journal of International Law, 2002)
6. Conor Greaty and Adam Tomkins, Understanding Human Rights, 50(London: Manshell, 1996)
7. David P Forsythe, Human Rights in International Relations 10 (Cambridge University Press, England, 2000)
8. Dr. Priti Saxena, Crime against the Mother Earth Leading to Poisonous Future, Vol.xxxi (3&4), Indian Bar Review, 369 (July-Dec.2004)
9. Gurdip Singh, Introduction, Environmental Law: International and National Perspectives 8 (Lawman Publication, New Delhi, 1995)
10. Lalit Dadwal and O.P Chauhan, Human Rights: Promotion and Protection (Anmol Publications, Delhi, 2004)
11. Kadragic, A., Globalization and Human Rights 12 (Philadelphia: Chelsea House Company 2006)
12. L. C. Sharma, Indian Economy and Environmental Pollution (New Delhi: Interest Publication, 1989)
13. Nault, M.D. & England, S. L., Globalization and human rights in the Developing world. 45 (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)
14. Sarat C. Joshi, ‘‘Environmental Pollution and Human Rights’’, Human Rights in Environmental Perspective 107 (Akansha Publishing House, Delhi, 2010)
15. Y. Anjaneyulu, The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Introduction to Environmental Science 5 (B S Publication, Hyderabad, 2004).

 

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[1] Lalit Dadwal and O.P Chauhan, Human Rights: Promotion and Protection 50 (Anmol Publications, Delhi, 2004)

[2] Gurdip Singh, Introduction, Environmental Law: International and National Perspectives 8 (Lawman Publication, New Delhi, 1995)

[3] Y. Anjaneyulu, The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Introduction to Environmental Science 5 (B S Publication, Hyderabad, 2004).

[4] David P Forsythe, Human Rights in International Relations 10 (Cambridge University Press, England, 2000)

[5] Dr. Priti Saxena, Crime against the Mother Earth Leading to Poisonous Future, Vol.xxxi (3&4), Indian Bar Review, 369 (July-Dec.2004)

[6] Manu Smiriti. Chapter 3, Versa 56 and Chapter 4. Versa 56 as cited by B.N. Tiwari. Hindu Culture and Ecology in Gautam Sharma (Edition).Environment Man and Nature 31. (1989), cited in Dr. Priti Saxena , Crime against the Mother Earth Leading to Poisonous Future, (Vol.xxxi (3&4) Indian Bar Review , 369 (July-Dec. 2004).

[7]I.A. Khan, Environmental Pollution, Text Book of Environmental Law 9 (Central Law Agency, Allahabad, 2002)

[8] Bhagwati, J. In Defense of Globalization. 56 (London: Oxford University Press. 2007)

[9] Sarat C. Joshi, ‘‘Environmental Pollution and Human Rights’’, Human Rights in Environmental Perspective 107 (Akansha Publishing House, Delhi, 2010)

[10] B. Stephens, The amorality of profit: transnational corporations and human rights, 20-45 (Berkeley Journal of International Law, 2002)

[11] Conor Greaty and Adam Tomkins , Understanding Human Rights, 50(London: Manshell, 1996)

[12] Nault, M.D. & England, S. L., Globalization and human rights in the Developing world. 45 (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)

14.Kadragic, A., Globalization and Human Rights 12 (Philadelphia: Chelsea House Company 2006)

[14] A. Brysk, Globalization and Human Rights. 30 (Berkeley: University of California Press., 2002)

[15] U.N. (2000). Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights: Preliminary report of the secretary-General, U.N. GAOR, 55th Sess., 5

[16] SAHRDC, Human Rights and International Law, OUP, New Delhi, 2008.