Abstract
This dissertation is an exploratory study of Venezuela’s human rights regime under Hugo Chávez (1999-2012). This study seeks to find out whether the principles of human rights are universal, or if there is indeed an alternative to universal human rights norms, and if so; how Hugo Chávez implemented this alternative human rights doctrine in Venezuela. This is done by using a theoretical framework that encapsulates human rights theory, universalism and cultural relativism, which are conceptualised in chapter two of this dissertation. In chapter three a history of Venezuela is given, and how it led to Hugo Chávez being elected President of Venezuela, while chapter four tests Venezuela's human rights vis-a-vis universalism and cultural relativism, by looking at the relationship between human rights policy and implementation in Venezuela under Chávez. The findings of this study suggest that Venezuela had a hybridised human rights approach under Chávez which led to the reduction of poverty, unemployment and child mortality.
M.A. (Politics and International Relations)