City of God: A Harrowing Exploration of Poverty, Violence and Survival

For August’s theme – Human Rights Month, featuring City of God (Cidade de Deus, 2002). This powerful Brazilian film presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of life in the favelas. It highlights systemic inequality. It also reveals the human cost of violence.

“If you run, the beast catches you; if you stay, the beast eats you.”

Explore City of God (Cidade de Deus, 2002). It is Fernando Meirelles’ powerful masterpiece. The film depicts life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. A must-watch for Human Rights Month. 

A Brief History of Human Rights

Human rights include the inherent freedoms and protections to which all individuals are entitled. These rights have evolved through centuries of struggle. They have also been shaped by philosophy and legislation. From ancient principles of justice to the modern Universal Declaration of Human Rights, here’s a comprehensive look at their history:

• 1. Ancient Concepts of Justice and Rights

  • Hammurabi’s Code (c. 1754 BCE):
  • One of the earliest recorded legal codes was written in ancient Babylon. It established principles of justice and fairness. However, these principles applied unequally based on social status.
  • Cyrus the Great and the First Charter of Human Rights (539 BCE):
    • Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon. After this victory, he issued the Cyrus Cylinder. This document declared the rights of religious freedom and abolished slavery.
    • Often regarded as the first documented instance of human rights.
  • Classical Philosophies (5th–4th Century BCE):
  • Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle debated the role of justice and natural law in society.
  • Roman Law introduced concepts of equality under the law for Roman citizens.
• 2. Religious Foundations of Human Rights

  • The Bible and Religious Texts:
    • Many religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, emphasise dignity, compassion, and fairness.
    • For example, the Bible’s Golden Rule reflects an early ethical principle of equality. It states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
  • Islamic Sharia (7th Century CE):
  • Introduced legal frameworks protecting rights to property, life, and family.
• 3. The Magna Carta (1215)

  • The Magna Carta was signed by King John of England. It is one of the first legal documents to limit the powers of rulers. It also guarantees certain rights to individuals.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Protection from unlawful imprisonment.
    • Right to a fair trial.
    • Although initially intended for nobles, the Magna Carta inspired later constitutional developments.
• 4. The Age of Enlightenment (17th–18th Century)

  • Philosophical Foundations:
    • Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire articulated the ideas of natural rights—life, liberty, and property.
  • These ideas challenged monarchies and laid the groundwork for democratic revolutions.
    • Key Milestones:
    • The English Bill of Rights (1689): Limited royal authority and guaranteed parliamentary supremacy.
    • The American Declaration of Independence (1776): Asserted that “all men are created equal” with unalienable rights.
    • The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789): This document codified individual freedoms. It established equality under the law.
• 5. The Abolition of Slavery (18th–19th Century)

  • The abolition movement gained momentum in the late 18th century:
  • United States: Slavery was abolished in 1865 with the 13th Amendment.
  • United Kingdom: The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 ended slavery throughout most of the British Empire.
  • Haitian Revolution (1791–1804): Haiti became the first nation led by former slaves.
  • These victories highlighted the global fight against oppression and the demand for universal dignity.
• 6. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

  • World War II and Human Rights Violations:
  • The Holocaust and other atrocities during World War II highlighted the urgent need for global human rights protections.
  • United Nations Formation (1945):
  • The United Nations was created to prevent future conflicts and promote peace, equality, and human rights.
  • Drafting the Declaration:
  • In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly.
  • Drafted by a committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the UDHR consists of 30 articles outlining fundamental rights, including:
  • Freedom of speech.
  • Protection from torture and discrimination.
  • The right to education and a fair trial.
• 7. The Post-War Era and Civil Rights Movements

  • The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s):
  • Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States fought for racial equality and an end to segregation.
  • The 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act were landmark achievements in the U.S.
  • Anti-Apartheid Movement (1948–1994):
  • In South Africa, activists like Nelson Mandela opposed apartheid, leading to its eventual abolition in 1994.
  • Women’s Rights:
  • The second wave of feminism (1960s–1980s) focused on workplace equality, reproductive rights, and legal protections.
• 8. Modern Developments in Human Rights (1990s–Present)

  • Advances in LGBTQ+ Rights:
  • 2001: The Netherlands became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage.
  • 2015: The U.S. Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage nationwide (Obergefell v. Hodges).
  • Global Human Rights Treaties:
  • 1989: The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted, focusing on children’s welfare.
  • 2006: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was introduced.
  • Ongoing Challenges:
  • Issues like climate justice, refugee rights, and the fight against systemic inequality remain at the forefront of human rights advocacy.

The history of human rights is a story of perseverance and progress. Humanity has made significant strides. Ongoing advocacy and awareness are critical. These efforts ensure that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or status, can enjoy their inherent rights.

Sources

1. Human Rights Watch
2. UNESCO on the Cyrus Cylinder
3. The British Library on the Magna Carta
4. United Nations Human Rights
5. Encyclopedia Britannica on Enlightenment and Human Rights
6. National Civil Rights Museum

Be sure to check out our full film review of City of God and join the conversation!

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