US election and human rights

Regardless of the chances of any of the US presidential candidates winning  ̶  although it seems that the arrival of the first woman to the Oval Office has become closer than ever in the history of the United States, especially after the last debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump  ̶  there is something noteworthy in that debate and in general in the election campaign of both candidates. Human rights issues seem to be a source of tension in this election, and it seems that both candidates are relying on these sensitive issues in addition to the country’s economic situation.

Among the most prominent human rights files included in the presidential debate were the Gaza war and the Palestinian issue and all the related human rights consequences, which were the subject of competition between the candidates. Despite the flagrant violations of human rights and the disregard of international laws and resolutions witnessed in this war, it was clear from the debate and the ongoing election campaign that the candidates are ignoring all of these crimes and trying to attract the Israeli lobby in the United States in order to win the largest number of votes from American Jews.

Another file was the issue of immigration, which received a large share of discussion, tension, and exchange of accusations. This comes at a time when refugees and immigrants are supposed to receive greater support and care, especially since wars and conflicts, in addition to climate change, have become a threat to human lives in many parts of the world.

The third and important file, especially in the United States, is racial discrimination. At a time when the United States is suffering from an escalation of racist rhetoric, we have seen each candidate use the statements made by the other candidate to prove a racist discourse, especially Kamala, who cited many statements made by Trump against Americans of color.

The fourth file is the right to abortion. This is an influential issue in the United States, and the difference in positions between the candidates is very clear. Kamala is pro-abortion, while Trump is explicitly against it, and both parties are aware of the division of American society on this issue, and both are trying to attract both supporters and opponents.

Finally, the issue of climate change has become a concern for countries around the world and affects people's lives everywhere, but it seems that there are those who downplay it for political or economic reasons.

In principle, it seems that the interest in these files by presidential candidates is important, but what is more important is that these issues be dealt with based on the principles of lofty human rights and not with the aim of achieving immediate political goals.