scholarly journals Linking geological heritage and geoethics with a particular emphasis on palaeontological heritage: the new concept of ‘palaeontoethics’

Geoheritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel DeMiguel ◽  
José Brilha ◽  
Laia Alegret ◽  
Ignacio Arenillas ◽  
José A. Arz ◽  
...  

AbstractGeoconservation and geoethics are two emergent domains in geosciences. During the last decade, both topics have increasingly gained the attention of geoscientists and the society, but the main geoethical dilemmas related to the conservation and management of geoheritage are not clearly identified yet. This work aims at providing an overview on the meaning and scope of geoethics and how it intersects geoheritage and the practice of geoconservation. Some case studies—many of which are under current debate and have a high potential as geoeducational resources—are presented for addressing ethical, social and cultural settings as well as dilemmas affecting geoheritage. We find that there are particular cases (mostly concerning the trade of fossils, and in particular the growing concern about activities that rely on amber from Myanmar) for which a clear dichotomy of views makes them much more problematic and complex. These cases deserve more suitable legal frameworks that help implement more balanced ethical standards and practice guidelines for geoconservation, guarantee human rights and needs in relation to that heritage and contribute to the advancement of geosciences. Particular attention is given to palaeontological heritage, as fossils are among the most threatened elements of the Earth’s diversity and are in need of more effective and statutory protection measures. In the context of geoethics applied to palaeontological heritage, and given the need of a clear understanding of what ethics in palaeontology means, a new concept—palaeontoethics—is proposed and formally defined.

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Paulette Andrea Henry

<p>The understanding of human rights are important to social work education and practice especially since the global definition of social work highlights the dual role of social work as a practice based profession and academic discipline emphasizing the principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity. Concomitantly, social work education must ensure that students know and understand human rights laws especially since human rights are inherent to all human beings and are often expressed and guaranteed by international law which Governments are expected to uphold. Social workers have a commitment as duty bearers in supporting governments in the upholding of those agreements pertinent to the wellbeing of the people. Using the University of Guyana as a frame of reference this paper examined students’ knowledge on international agreements prior to leaving the University since these laws not only speak to nation states but to universal practices and many social work issues transcend borders. This paper utilized a mixed method approach to ascertain students’ awareness of international human rights laws and their perceptions on the applicability to practice. The findings show that there is limited knowledge amongst social work students on human rights covenants and conventions. This assessment is instructive to social work educators locally and internationally pointing to the need for integration into the curricula. It is imperative that generalist practitioners leave the University with a clear understanding of these laws as many practice issues are transnational. There will be the need for international social work to be a taught course for undergraduates training to become generalist practitioners.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-270
Author(s):  
Achim Seifert

The following Article analyzes recent developments of German law regarding CSR and the protection of human rights in the production sites of foreign subsidiaries and suppliers of German companies. It gives a brief overview on the National Action Plan of the Federal Government, adopted in 2016, analyzes possibilities of a direct enforcement of human rights violations before German courts and gives a survey on some relevant instruments German law uses to promote the respect of human rights by German companies (e.g. CSR transparency and public procurement law). Finally, the current debate on the adoption of a “Supply Chains Act” is briefly assessed. The author argues that the CSR debate in Germany has reached a crossroad with the Federal Government’s initiative for a “Supply Chains Act” since such Act would probably establish a supply chain due diligence and also a delictual liability of German companies for human rights violations caused by a non-compliance with its statutory duties to control its supply chain. However, the outcome of this ongoing debate still is unclear.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Frederik Martell

<p>This dissertation examines the statutory protection of elderly consumers in rest homes and makes several proposals of how to improve their protection. The dissertation compares New Zealand’s legislation with the existing rest home related legislation in Australia and Germany to improve New Zealand’s regulations.  At first, the dissertation characterises elderly consumers as a consumer group with special vulnerabilities. According to the dissertation several reasons can be identified, which justify regulatory intervention in favour of the elderly. Secondly, the dissertation gives an overview of the relevant rest home legislation in New Zealand, Australia and Germany.  In the later chapters the dissertation examines the existing information obligations, and the statutory protection of elderly consumers during the implementation and at the time of the termination of a rest home contract. The author argues that many of the existing consumer protection measures are not specifically tailored for consumers in rest homes and, therefore, do not ensure comprehensive protection. Furthermore, the author identifies several gaps in protection and proposes to introduce targeted new protection measures to close these gaps. Subsequently, the dissertation considers the access to justice for elderly consumers. The author states that the existing system offers some advantages but is far from being perfect. He speaks in favour of establishing a new Commissioner who is responsible for the issues of elderly consumers and the enhancement of their legal position.  Lastly and on the basis of the previous outcomes, the author recommends creating a new piece of legislation specifically tailored for the protection of elderly consumers in rest homes to implement all the proposed changes. In the author’s opinion a new Act could build on the existing consumer protection measures but should also improve them to ensure the best protection possible. The author also outlines how a code of practice should be put in place, which sets out minimum requirements.</p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Olaitan Oluwaseyi Olusegun

Abstract Armed conflicts are characterised by violence and human rights violations with various implications on the citizens, economy and development of nations. The impact is however more pronounced with life-long consequences on children, the most vulnerable members of the society. This article examines the impact of non-international armed conflicts on children in Nigeria and identifies the laws for the protection of children against armed conflicts, both in international law and Nigeria’s domestic law. It also addresses the challenges involved in the protection of children in armed conflict situations in Nigeria. The study found that legal efforts to protect children have not been given sufficient attention in Nigeria. This is mostly due to various challenges including the fragmentation of legal framework and the refusal to domesticate relevant treaties. It is thus recommended that these challenges be addressed through the implementation of effective legal frameworks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C Mubangizi

ABSTRACT This article focuses on corruption in Uganda and South Africa. It begins with a brief analysis of the effects of corruption on the two countries before looking comparatively at their anti-corruption legal frameworks by analysing the relevant constitutional and legislative anti-corruption provisions. The choice of Uganda and South Africa for comparison is based on several factors. The two countries have much in common. They are both transitional societies with disturbing histories characterised by apartheid, oppression and repression in South Africa , and colonialism and military dictatorships in Uganda. In the mid-1990s, the two countries adopted new constitutions that contained Bills of Rights. Such similarities justify comparison for purposes of shared perspectives, approaches and good practices. Moreover, there are many benefits to be gained from comparative research involving cross-national studies - including a deeper understanding of how different countries do things in the context of differing political, cultural and socio-economic circumstances. The choice of the two countries is also based on the research interests of the author who, besides comparing Ugandan and South African ant-corruption approaches, also calls for a human rights based approach that empowers ordinary people to demand transparency, accountability and responsibility from elected representatives and public officials. Keywords: Corruption, human rights, constitution, legislation, South Africa, Uganda.


Author(s):  
Rhona K. M. Smith

This chapter examines the right to self-determination in international human rights law. It traces the origins of this right and considers issues characterizing the current debate on the future of self-determination. The chapter suggests that while self-determination is acceptable for divesting States of colonial powers, problems can arise when groups that are not the sole occupants of a State territory choose to exercise self-determination. The right to self-determination may sit uneasily with respect for territorial integrity of States. Various forms of modern self-determination, including partial or full autonomy within States are emerging.


Author(s):  
Rhona K. M. Smith

This chapter examines the right to self-determination in international human rights law. It traces the origins of this right and considers issues characterizing the current debate on the future of self-determination. The chapter suggests that while self-determination is acceptable for divesting States of colonial powers, problems can arise when groups that are not the sole occupants of a State territory choose to exercise self-determination. The right to self-determination may sit uneasily with respect for territorial integrity of States. Various forms of modern self-determination, including partial or full autonomy within States are emerging.


Author(s):  
Noele Crossley

Abstract Selective humanitarianism, it has been argued, may be condonable, or even preferable. Several arguments have been proffered in support of these views. This article revisits these arguments in light of the emergence of a discourse of protection and responsibility that now incorporates a wider spectrum of protection measures available to agents, of which armed intervention is but one. Consistency is an essential characteristic of ethics and the law—inconsistent practice diminishes the prospects of the development of norms of protection and associated practices and institutions. Furthermore, inconsistent practice means that fewer people receive protection from egregious violations of human rights. If the principles associated with human protection and humanitarianism are to become established norms of international society, international policy must be coherent, and international practice must be consistent.


Author(s):  
Goodwin-Gill Guy S ◽  
McAdam Jane ◽  
Dunlop Emma

This chapter explores the nature of movement occasioned by the impacts of disasters and climate change. There is scientific consensus that the effects of climate change are aggravating and amplifying many ‘natural’ environmental hazards. This, in turn, may threaten a range of human rights including the right to life, health, housing, culture, means of subsistence, and the right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment. Moreover, disasters linked to sudden-onset natural hazards continue to trigger the largest number of new internal displacements annually. The chapter then considers the law as it pertains to internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as the limits and capacity of the international and regional legal frameworks that may apply to those who were displaced across an international border (refugee law, human rights law, and the law on statelessness). While a number of international instruments now include language on climate change, disasters, and displacement, including the 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, more is required to give full effect to these undertakings, both with regard to the capacity to anticipate displacement, and to determine what kind of ‘protection’ is called for, by whom, and where.


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