Denial of right to life

Nature

The denial of the right to life refers to the infringement or violation of an individual's fundamental human right to exist and live free from arbitrary deprivation of life. This issue manifests in various forms, including state-sanctioned violence, extrajudicial killings, genocide, and systemic discrimination that disproportionately affects marginalized groups. It raises ethical, legal, and humanitarian concerns, as it undermines the principles of dignity and justice. The right to life is enshrined in international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, making its denial a critical global problem that demands urgent attention and action.

Incidence

The denial of the right to life manifests in various forms globally, with significant incidences reported in conflict zones, authoritarian regimes, and through systemic discrimination. According to the United Nations, an estimated 10 million people die annually due to preventable causes linked to human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and state-sanctioned violence. Regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia frequently report high rates of such violations, exacerbated by political instability and social unrest.
A notable instance occurred in Myanmar in 2017, where the military's crackdown on the Rohingya population led to widespread killings and displacement. Reports from human rights organizations documented thousands of deaths and the systematic destruction of villages, prompting international condemnation and calls for accountability. This crisis highlighted the severe denial of the right to life faced by the Rohingya people during this period.

Claim

The right to life is the fundamental right of human beings and all other rights make sense only in so far as the right to life is respected. The fundamental reason for retention of the death penalty by some countries is it is a deterrent for those who might attack life and the property of the State. The fact, however, is that in countries where the death penalty has existed for centuries, crimes against life and property has not diminished. As regards the State security argument, the State might well confuse the security of society with the security of the group currently in power, namely, the Government of the day.

Counter-claim

The notion that the denial of the right to life is a significant problem is exaggerated. In many societies, life is valued and protected through laws and social norms. While isolated incidents occur, they do not reflect a systemic issue. Focusing on this topic diverts attention from pressing concerns like poverty, education, and healthcare, which impact quality of life far more profoundly. We should prioritize tangible improvements rather than sensationalizing a relatively rare phenomenon.