Algeria has a huge issue of human rights violations
that have great influence on overall societal turmoil. From speech and
expression restrictions to inhibition of the legal operation of associations,
the citizens of Algeria have very few rights and little to no freedom as we do
here in the United States. Many rights that citizens of the United States have,
such as freedom of speech, right to bear arms, right to peaceful protest, and
voting rights are not within the government’s initiative to uphold. In Algeria,
peaceful protest, speaking out about political affairs or political figures
negatively or defiantly, forming unions outside of those set in place by the
government, and “publishing material that threatens public interest” are only a
few violations considered punishable under the national criminal code (Human
Rights Watch). These are basic rights that are often taken for granted by those
in more developed societies that Algerians are not allowed to have.
Climate change is a global issue that affects
people all over the world. Algeria as a whole is not considered to be a wealthy
country and has a very minor and customary agriculture, financial, and
infrastructure system. Furthermore, the country is already at a disadvantage
economically as well as geographically. Is having clean water a part of human
rights? Is the availability of fresh foods and land to farm and grow these
foods a human right? Are electricity and accessible power sources a right that
all people should have? Many people would argue that these are all basic rights
and necessities that people all over the world should not only have but expect.
These rights are a part of everyday life. However, in some areas of the world,
Algeria included, climate change makes some of these aspects very difficult to
maintain. In fact, excessive heat alone can be detrimental to humans as well as
the environment. According to an article written by Mahi Tabet-Auol of The
Guardian, climate change has a large impact on individual health, agriculture,
and water resources:
“...hot air takes
in more water so the air temperature is usually higher since evaporation is
always more intense near water surfaces. This has an impact on water reservoirs
and dams. The persistence of the heat also dries up any water in the soil, so
it affects the crops, leading to a phenomenon known as scalding. Humidity
is the only way of evacuating heat from body temperature as long as the air is
not saturated with water. If the air is humid and saturated, the human organism
cannot get rid of the heat and so we experience unbearable discomfort, which
can then lead to serious symptoms. For example: it can worsen chronic pain in those
who suffer from cardiovascular or respitory illnesses, like asthma.”
Future Drought Potential in Africa
In Algeria, heat waves are a huge problem and affect the availability of
water, which in turn affects the growth of crops and water and irrigation
systems. This past summer, the country experienced a 40-day drought during a
time of the year when temperatures would normally be starting to drop (Tabet-Auol). With all of this in mind, it becomes clear that environmental and human
rights issues is something that we all are affected by and should be working to
improve. Water and environmental conditions are issues that affect us all
despite geographical location.
Farish Noor addresses the universal nature of human rights from the
perspective of “eurocentrism,” which is the idea that global
social perspective of European society and culture is as better or more advanced
than others. It is held as the acceptable or standard example for the world,
and moving away from this idea would mean destroying the comparison between
European identity and the systems and beliefs of other nations. For example: the economic financial system of Algeria can be viewed as inferior or
ineffective in comparison to the advancement of capitalism in the United States.
Algeria does not necessarily have to operate in a way similar to the US in
order to be successful. The economy simply needs a system that works and is
beneficial to the longevity of the country’s growth overall.
Climate Change in Algeria - The Guardian
Human Rights Watch
Blog Post #3 - Lamisha Kelly
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