Is Democracy a Cure for Human Rights Violations? An Analysis of Macro Variables

Abstract

Are democracy and a good economy a cure for human rights violations? Some studies (Int J Human Rights 8(4):399–411, 2004; Globalization and human rights: the effects of integration on state repression in developing countries, 1976–2000. The University of Arizona, 2005) answer this question positively and explain that democratic institutions can be developed in democratic states with good economic conditions. This, therefore, reduces human right violations. Some others (Int Stud Q 53(3):715–736, 2009; Am Polit Sci Rev 88(04):853–872, 1994) answer this question differently; these studies explain that countries under democratic governments develop complaint mechanisms for their citizens. Therefore, citizens can enjoy these mechanisms and make their voices heard. This chapter analyzes the potential correlations between some macro variables, such as democracy level, economic status of countries, and human rights violations, in the framework of both the right to life and the right not to be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, ratified respectively by the first and the second article of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These two articles “enshrine one of the basic values of democratic societies making up the Council of Europe” (Application no. 21986/93. http://hudoc.echr.coe.int). The analysis presents some interesting findings in the correlation between human rights violations and population, economic development, crimes, number of terrorist incidents, and democratic level of a country.