Conflict between Relativism and Universality of Human Rights in the Middle East and the Role of Authoritarian Governments

One of the most challenging issues regarding human rights is the debate between those who advocate cultural relativism and the universality of human rights which has appeared vividly in the Middle East as one of the most tension-filled regions of the world. On the one hand, universalists maintain that human rights offered by the international community are so fundamental and universal that no violation is acceptable and that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights determines international conventions and customs. On the other, relativists are of the belief that religious teachings and cultural traditions of every nation would determine its human rights frameworks. In the meantime, the presence of illegitimate authoritarian governments in the Middle East has given more weight to the latter group. This research investigates the impact of these governments on the conflict between relativism and universality of human rights in the Middle East.