Dialogue, Not Confrontation: Path to Human Rights Advancement

By Ayman Okeil

While scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon a theory in behavioral economics known as “Ultimatum Game“.

In this experiment, two individuals participate, with one designated as “Giver” and given $100. Giver is then tasked with two conditions to win $100 together. First, they must offer the other person (Recipient) $50, which is half of the amount. Secondly, they must offer Recipient an amount greater than $10 but no more than $50. If the receiving party accepts the offer, both individuals win.

Interestingly, the experiment revealed that all Recipients who participated in the experiment rejected any offer below $50 from Giver. Although accepting any amount would have resulted in a gain for Recipient, they refused due to perceiving the offer as unfair. From the perspective of behavioral economics, this behavior is considered irrational.

Limited in my economic expertise, I believe that this theory parallels how some people approach human rights issues in our contemporary world, whether they are countries or organizations. Some believe that if governments of developing countries do not provide immediate concessions, then dialogue should be refused, and threats of sanctions and aid cuts should be made. However, it is evident that progress in human rights is achieved gradually, and it is possible to build upon the gains made in human rights to promote other rights and freedoms. Even the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, ratified by 171 member states of the United Nations, emphasizes the gradual realization of rights in its second article. Therefore, I maintain the view that dialogue, not confrontation, is the most effective approach when addressing human rights issues, whether they are political, economic, or social. By building upon the progress already achieved in promoting rights and freedoms, we can strive to create a world that respects human dignity and humanity.

Simultaneously, governments must be prepared to engage in constructive discussions on human rights and view the human rights movement and civil society as partners rather than opponents in advancing these rights, including the right to development.

Perhaps the National Dialogue initiated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt in April 2022 serves as an excellent example. This experience has yielded positive outcomes, especially after President El-Sisi shared the outcomes of dialogue first phase with relevant authorities in the state for study and implementation in August 2023. It is expected that dialogue will continue with the second phase in the weeks ahead. State’s President, following his winning in recent presidential elections, called for completion of national dialogue initiative, encouraging the participation of a broader range of stakeholders. From this standpoint, I encourage all countries, particularly those in the Middle East, to engage in dialogues with both local and international human rights organizations to improve the human rights situation.