The impact of technology on human rights: global
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The impact of technology on human rights: global
case-studies
Studies on the affirmative use of science and technology for the furtherance of human rights, commissioned as a special project by the United Nations University, following a reference to the University by the United Nations Human Rights Commission
Edited by C.G. Weeramantry
United Nations University Press
The United Nations University is an organ of the United Nations established by the General Assembly in 1972 to be an international community of scholars engaged in research, advanced training, and the dissemination of knowledge related to the pressing global problems of human survival, development, and welfare. Its activities focus mainly on peace and conflict resolution, development in a changing world. and science and technology in relation to human welfare. The University operates through a worldwide network of research and postgraduate training centres, with its planning and coordinating headquarters in Tokyo.
© The United Nations University, 1993
The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.
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Introduction
The definition of the concept of technology
The origins of the western technological culture
Enlightenment, the open industrial society, and human rights
The enlightenment model of industrial development
A critical analysis of the enlightenment model of industrial development (technological imperialism)
Models of development and the technological factor
Development, choice, and human rights
The "deconstruction" of deterministic models of development
Notes
2. Democracy, human rights and the impact of scientifc and technological development in Venezuela
Theoretical and political implications of the definition of human rights in relation to scientific and technological development
The Latin American experience
Model of development, basic needs, and human rights in an oil economy: the case of Venezuela
Science, technology, and the Venezuelan political system
Notes
3. Technology and human rights: critical implications for Thailand
Introduction 1
Human rights
Technology
Implications
Rural development
Agriculture
Industrialization
Urbanization
Environmental concerns
The socialization process
Assessment
Appendix 1
Notes
4. Human rights and technological development: Eastern Europe and Poland
Preface: objective and methodology of the project
General evaluation of Eastern Europe as a political region
The special nature of the polish empirical approach to human rights
Interaction between human rights and technological development in Poland
Interrelationship between the basic character of human rights and development of traditional technologies
Interrelationship between human rights and advanced technologies
Conclusions
Notes
Bibliography
5. The impact of modern science and technology on human rights in Ethiopia
Background information
Firearms in rural and traditional ethiopia and human rights
Traditional work of women, science and technology, and human rights
Notes
6. Western European case-study: The impact of advanced methods of medical treatment on human rights
Introduction
Artificial methods of procreation
Medical genetics
Compulsory and mandatory medical examinations
Conclusions
Acronyms
Notes