How Globalization Impacts Human Rights

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video explores the complex relationship between human rights and globalization, using real-world examples to make abstract concepts accessible to students. Hosted by a narrator named Justin, the video begins by defining human rights as the basic freedoms and protections belonging to every person, while acknowledging the historical atrocities like genocide and colonization that necessitated a global agreement on these rights. It introduces the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) established by the UN in 1948 and discusses the role of organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) in protecting workers. The video investigates how globalization acts as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it shows how connectivity and social media (referencing the Arab Spring) can spread awareness and empower citizens to demand justice. On the other hand, it highlights the negative impacts, such as companies exploiting weak labor laws in developing nations to lower costs—a phenomenon illustrated through a detailed case study of the "Fast Fashion" industry and the Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh. It explains how economic demands can lead to displacement of indigenous communities and unsafe working conditions. Finally, the video challenges students to consider their role as global citizens and consumers. It encourages critical thinking about the supply chains behind everyday products and emphasizes that globalization is not neutral—it reflects human choices. The content is designed to spark discussions on civics, economics, history, and ethics, helping students understand how their personal choices connect to broader global human rights issues.