(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) People sustaininhuman treatment in times of war and peace across the world and their rightsand 'inherent dignity are violated in one way or another. Although there is aset of globally accepted moral and human principles which form the foundationof international instruments, the pain and sufferings of human societies and individualscontinue unabated. During the war, civilians; including women and children, warprisoners, the wound and sick; undergo violence and atrocities. Warring sideshardly observe the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Both warring sides –be it states or state and militants – have to observe humanitarian law andhuman dignity. In some cases, atrocities, cruel practices, and inhumantreatment in civil conflicts outweighed international conflicts. For instance,the harsh practices of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the acts of violence andbarbarity of the self-styled Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) inIraq and Syria, etc. were highly offensive and outraged the human conscience.Therefore, both governments and anti-government parties have to practice uponinternational instruments, human acts, and ethical code. Governments are notallowed to humiliate the militants or violate their human rights.
On the other hand,human rights and dignity of all individuals, including combatants and non-combatants,are inviolable. Combatants are not allowed to target civilians at all.Similarly, war prisoners, 'the wounded and sick in armed forces in the fieldshould be treated with humanity.
'No one shall besubjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment orpunishment, this is stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR). Although human or inhuman treatment is widely stated in internationalinstruments, it is still ambiguous to some extent. It is said that inhuman treatmentincludes an act which leads to indescribable mental or physical pain andsufferings or practices which are contrary to the fundamental principles ofhuman treatment especially violating one's 'inherent dignity. Even degrading adead body of a human being is considered inhuman treatment. To realize inhumantreatment, for which there is not a unanimous definition, one is advised torefer to public conscience, human principles, and the 'golden rule which isbeyond cultural or geographical restrictions. Golden rule, which says do toothers what you want to be done to you, is deep-seated in all cultures andreligions and agreed upon globally.
There are a number offundamental principles accepted globally and prevailing in all cultures.Generally speaking, there are four intra-cultural principles: First, commitmentto the non-violent culture and respect to life. It is stated in religioustenets and ethical code that do not kill anyone or respect one's right to life.Based on this fact, one will be free to exercise their rights to life andliberty to the extent that others' rights or freedoms are not harmed. Resolvingsocial and political conflicts in a non-violent manner is strongly advised.
Second, commitment tothe culture of solidarity and fair economic system. It is widely advised byreligions that one has not to rob anything and treat individuals with honestyand justice. It indicates one's right to property.
Third, commitment tothe culture of tolerance and honest life. Individuals and human societies willhave to exercise tolerance toward one another and accept one as s/he isregardless of their race, sex, color, or creed.
Fourth, commitment tothe culture of equal rights and participation of men and women. Religioustenets and ethical codes suggest that one is not supposed to commit immoralsexual act and people have to respect one another. Sexual exploitation ordiscrimination is deemed one of the ugliest sorts of humiliation. Exploitingone – be it a man or a woman – sexually, forcing children into sex labor, ortreating one in inhuman way are not acceptable at all. The mentality ofinferiority or superiority on the basis of gender is not tolerable. Patriarchalsystem, which promotes violence, should come to an end and men and women needto hold each other in respect. These aforementioned principles are acceptedwidely in different cultures and religions.
Human rights normsare deeply rooted in ethical codes and moral conscience. Fundamental rights andfreedoms are based on moral standards. Thus, morality is the mainstay of humanrights and humanitarian law. It is said that the principle of respecting humandignity is the cornerstone of humanitarian law. To view the globally acceptedprinciples that are based on humanity and universal ethics, individuals andhuman societies need to practice upon them so as to put an end to violence andatrocities. Indeed, if we do not observe international instruments, ethicalcode, or humanity, people will suffer inhuman treatment and violation of theirrights and dignity.
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