Food asimportant as freedom

Are socio-economic rights entitled to the same protection as civil and political liberties? Western theory on human rights is deeply influenced by market capitalism, political liberties and individualism.

It puts great premium on civil and political entitlements but there is insufficient recognition of the need for socio-economic entitlements. The latter are seen as mere offshoots of political liberties. In contrast, Asian scholars argue that food is as important as freedom and bread as important as the ballot box.

There can be no meaningful enjoyment of human rights if poverty is pervasive and hunger and disease stalk the land. Socio-economic rights to basic necessities and to development are entitled to the same protection as civil and political liberties.

Shad Saleem Faruqi is senior law professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.