When Does One’s Right to the Freedom of Speech Impede on Another’s Right Against Torture or Harm: Bullying and its Violation of Human Rights at Home.

The United Nations declared what they titled “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights” and advocates on numerous human rights concerns worldwide (Rights, n.d.).  I wonder what they are doing for the less obvious victims of human rights violations, right here in the United States.  According to the DHR, these rights are inalienable and afforded to every member of the human race.  I challenge you to consider this, when does a bully’s human right to their opinions and expression of those opinions, violate the victim’s human right to live safely without degrading treatment?  I pose the question, how do we protect the human rights of both, if both are entitled to equal protection? 

I have a cousin, who has experienced vile and hateful bulling throughout her entire school experience.  Her abusers have the right to think like she is ‘a dyke’ and that she will ‘go to hell’.  They even have the right to say these things publically, in school or on social media, according to Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Does saying things like ‘drink bleach’ or ‘kill yourself’ also fall under “the right to freedom of opinion and expression” (Nations, n.d.)?  This constant torture has led to multiple hospitalizations of my cousin due to the emotional distress she has suffered.  Do these abuses not violate her “right to life, liberty and security of person” (Nations, n.d.)?  When she is receiving threatening and demeaning messages, physical attacks and having objects thrown at her, is this “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” (Nations, n.d.)?             

Let us take a moment to remember Rebecca Sedwick, who died by suicide after jumping from a silo tower to end the pain caused by torment from classmates on Facebook (Newcomb, 2013).  Was it her human right to live without torment and pain?  On the other hand, was it the human right of her bullies to express their opinions in that they did not agree with Rebecca was dating a certain boy?  According to an article posted on ABC News, Rebecca received Facebook messages calling her ugly and encouraging her to kill herself (Newcomb, 2013).  In an attempt to avoid continued abuse, Rebecca went to a new school but the bullying continued online.  Ultimately, police arrested two of the bullies.  Whose rights were violated?  Whose rights are more important? 

Victims of bullying have their human rights violated.  Researchers argue that although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights do not specifically list protection from bullying in their declarations, the articles specifically relate to bullying (Kolstrein, 2013).  Article 26 addresses this right: “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.  It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship….” (Kolstrein, 2013).  Bullying negatively impacts school experience and performance (Greene, 2006).  My cousin, stopped going to school and Rebecca had to change schools in an attempt to escape the torture, eventually losing her life. 

This is a clear violation of the 26^th article of the Declaration of Human Rights.  Nationwide surveys have shown that children and adolescents view bullying as a major problem that causes emotional pain, and can lead to violence (Greene, 2006).  Bullying for whatever form it takes is a violation of human rights.  Its intent and outcome greatly affects one’s right to life, liberty, security, education and freedom of mistreatment.  So what is our responsibility to do something about this issue, about any violation of human rights? 

Newcomb, A. (2013, October 15). Teen Charged in Fatal Cyberbullying Case of Rebecca Sedwick to Remain in Jail. GOOD MORNING AMERICA.

Nations, T. G. (n.d.). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/