Vulnerability (Vulnerability) within a human rights perspective - Essay Example

Vulnerability within a Human Rights Perspective VULNERABILITY WITHIN A HUMAN RIGHTS PERSPECTIVE A vulnerable group is one that canbe injured physically or wounded, as well as one that is open to attack or criticism. Vulnerable groups can also be said to be those that are affected by particular temptation or influence. For example, elderly people are open to criticism or attack from more physically active and productive individuals (Reichert, 2012). To me, vulnerability is referent to harsh realities that elderly people are likely to come across, such as violation of their human rights or discrimination, more than the individuals who are more physically active and productive.

These impediments and obstacles to their human rights that elderly people suffer have the capability of going on forever unless they are tackled. However, according them similar human rights to everyone else is a naïve and idealistic way to apply human rights to the elderly (Reichert, 2012). This is because the elderly are situations that are unequal to others, which only exacerbate the situation if they are treated the same as other groups. As of now, I am not part of a vulnerable group. However, I do feel solidarity with this group as my parents are part of it, suffering the same discrimination and violation of human rights as the rest.

It is my belief that they should be given special treatment to alleviate their situation. This is because they are unable to fight for their human rights as other groups like African Americans, women, and the LGBTQ communities would (Reichert, 2012). They should be accorded more independence to determine when they should join retirement homes and have the opportunity to work. Second, they should be allowed to participate in society, for instance in the implementation, as well as formulation of policies that affect them.

Finally, they should be cared for by the community and family, while also having access to healthcare that is both appropriate and adequate (Reichert, 2012). ReferencesReichert, E. (2012). Understanding human rights: An exercise book. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.