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Issues in Australian Government and Foreign Policy ‘States should not concern themselves with human rights, only with their own security and the preservation of peace.’ In concerning themselves with security and the preservation of peace, states must concern themselves with issues such as human rights. The preservation of peace is an extremely important issue, particularly in these times of uncertain international security and must be addressed by states in a manner that keeps human rights issues in mind. The Tampa episode of 2001 is a prime example of the decisions that must be made when the issues of human rights and national security come together. If a nation must decide between its stance on human rights and its security, which will prevail? With regards to Australia and the human rights records of some of our neighbours, we must take into account the so-called, ‘Asian Culture’ and the view in some parts of South and East Asia; community good is valued over the good of the individual. Also, when addressing human rights issues, states must be wary of their own records on human rights abuses before making assertions against other nations. Which countries in the world today can claim to have a perfectly clean record in terms of human rights? A nation must not be allowed to decide whether human rights should be observed or not. Issues such as international security and the preservation of peace, especially in these times of terrorist activity and the threat of war, are concerns that must be addressed while keeping in mind the international affairs that will shape the future. Through the process of ensuring national security and endeavouring to preserve peace throughout the world, it is inevitable that human rights issues be addressed in the process. In looking at the concept of peace, one must consider the issues of power relations and the effects these can have on a nation, to force a nation in a dire economic situation, for example, to act against its will in order to secure aid. The concept of peace, in the current political climate, requires the world’s superpower, the USA, in association with the high level middle-powers, such as Great Britain and perhaps China, to utilize diplomatic skills in order to act on current issues. Bearing this in mind, a nation must observe and form opinions on the actions of its fellow states so as to be able to keep an informed view of world events. If those key nations do not take an interest in the happenings in other states, the potential for an unexpected event increases exponentially. In this manner, subjects such as human rights must be raised on a global stage, both within and without the United Nations, an organisation in dire need of re-defined role if it is to remain an influence into the 21st Century. To uncover past and prevent future abuses but also to enable the key political and military powers to sit down and discuss the possibility of world peace is a process that will not happen until cooperation is achieved, through understanding and acceptance of cultural and political differences, including each other’s stance on issues like human rights. The USA would argue, however, that an alternate route to a peaceful world is through the removal of opponents to the ‘Western’ ideal, a concept which remains a real possibility, especially following the quick success the so-called, “coalition of the willing” encountered in the War on Iraq.
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