Plethora of abuses are rampant across the globe [Archives:2002/17/Reportage]

ABDULRAHMAN BA FADEL
FOR THE YEMEN TIMES
While there be progress in some areas, much work is still needed to improve human rights in Yemen and around the world.
That is the conclusion of officials who met in Sanaa recently to discuss the issue at a human rights conference touched. It touched on on several issues, including:
The right to live
Tens of millions of people on the planet are dying annually due to hunger and epidemics. Victims of such catastrophic disease exceed the death toll of the Second World War.
In a similar context, the question can be asked if euthanasia, or so-called mercy killing of the disabled and elderly is not a violation of this right. Some Western countries, Holland in particular, have instituted laws to make this easier.
And abortion, common in much of the West, also seems to violate this right.
The right to live without torture
This is a basic human rights declaration which goes unheeded around the globe, particularly in countries where totalitarian and non-democratic regimes rule. Some critics are even questioning, since the September 11 attacks on America, if the US is giving right as it relates to Al-Qaeda prisoners being held in Cuba.
The right of expression
This right is also commonly violated in countries where oppressive regimes do not allow citizens to speak freely on various issues, including religion.
An example of lack of free political expression was raised in connection with elections in Turkey. The Rafah Islamic Party was elected democratically, only to have Turkish generals dissolve the party. The party went to the European Court for Human Rights, but the court ruled against it, on the pretext that the partys leader, Arbakan, had violated Turkeys constitution.
White slavery
White slavery is the practice of using women for prostitution, often moving them from country to country. Many countries in the world are involved in this illegal and immoral trafficking of human beings.
The conference was held under the auspices of the Speaker of the parliament, Sheikh Ahbdullah bin Hussien al-Ahmer, the High Committee for Human Rights in collaboration with the United Nation Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the State Minister of Human Rights, members of the parliament and the Shura Council.

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