Research Topics

Ali and Mohammed
Human Rights Watch

Huruse
Horn Relief

Natalya
Homeopathic/Alternative Medecine

Sovanthy and Kirubal
UNESCO

Asha and Mahad
United Nations

Human Rights Discussion 5/10/07

Our discussion on human rights brought to light both common ground and plenty disagreement. While we agreed on some universal rights, others remained murky. For example, Natalya and Mohammed were in opposition over the right to employment after higher education. Based on some experiences of unemployment in Egypt Mohammed stated that governments were responsible for providing the right to employment for those people who have achieved higher levels of education. Natalya, on the other hand, pinned the responsibility of finding appropriate employment on the individual. Individuals, she reasoned, should see what jobs are available and then reach the level of education required for these jobs. If they would like to pursue further education on their own time then they should do so. However, it is not the state’s responsibility to provide employment to overeducated population.

We also had some disagreement about political systems. Ali in particular took a stand on political structures. In his mind providing humans with a democratic system is essential to meeting human rights. Using example from the Somali dictatorship he argued that without room for dissent the people’s true needs cannot be met. Additionally, a single party system that calls itself “democracy” is invalid; there must be a meaningful multiparty system that ensures choice and discussion. Others argued that many political systems can provide human rights. This argument, however, remained largely unexplored due to lack of time.

We also explored the question, “Who should is responsible for ensuring human rights are met?” We agreed that governments should be mostly responsible for ensuring that basic human rights are provided to its citizens. Additionally, groups like NGOS or even international organizations such as the UN can work towards securing human rights world wide.

The notes from this discussion may be helpful when framing your essay on certain human rights organizations, particularly when discussing those human rights that we all agree should be met.


Basic rights on which we had agreement


Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Basic needs met—Water, food and shelter
Equal opportunity employment
Freedom from slavery
Women’s right to no violence
Health care
Right to be protected (safety and security)
Basic education

Rights on which we had disagreement

Right to vote
Right to a multiparty system
Citizenship rights regardless of borders
Work – employment for all people of all levels of education (that is, the right to work after higher education)
A right to a college education

Local Organizations

You never know until you ask...or so it seemed during class on Monday night. After asking each other about our affiliations with organizations we found that each of us is affiliated with a group of some kind. Some of these groups are doing important humanitarian relief, some are helping local immigrants and refugees adjust to Minnesota, while others are providing much needed services for profit. Click on the name of the group next to a learners name in order to learn more about the group affiliations in our class.

Sovanthy Meng United Cambodian Association of Minnesota (article in the Minnesota Daily)

Ali Egal Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota

Mohamed Zaza YMCA Twin Cities

Natalya Berler AAA

Patricia Guerrero Union

Huruse Gurhan Somali Horn Relief