Human Rights Reading #1

What is the challenge with defining universal human rights?

I think the challenge of this is that there is always an exception to every right.  It is hard to define when and where there would need to be that kind of exception. There are so many rights that sound good in theory and then can blow up in your face.  One problem with universal rights is that it allows other countries to come in to a different country and try to change it because they do not agree with their economic or political system.  Other countries are begining to think they have the rigth to change countries because they do not have the system that they believe everyone should have, when honestly it is none of their business.  If the people are happy, no one is trying to revolt, and no one is asking for help then it is wrong to intervine.

Why is this a human right?

If they want to intervine, no one can stopthem because it is their right to do so.  Sometimes forcing rights onto someone is also taking away rights.

Current Day Congo

I have been reading about the struggle that the people are faceing because of the rebellions against the governemnt.  I watched a video that talked about the rape and violence that is occuring there.  Even in their houses they are not safe becuase soldiers still come in and rape them.  They do their jobs and try to protect their children, but they can nenver escape the rape and violence.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7740948.stm

This article talks about how soldiers in the Kanasha verse Rwanda, and how the UN soldiers, who are supposed to be helping in the Congo, are supplying the side they are supposed ot be fighting.  They rape and kill the civillians they are supposed to be fighting for.  These soldiers are supposed to be keeping peace, but they are torturing civilians.  They changed the name to DR Congo from the UN Organisation mission because the governemtn was trying to push out the UN organisation.  They are supposed to be protecting them, but I believe they are truly trying to keep this conlifct going so that they can keep their men in the Congo.  They want to UN peacemakers out by the end of 2011.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11108589

Why are UN groups there?
I understand there is aftermath they are helping with, but I am confused about the war before


Why did the War begin?