A Relação Conflito, Necessidades Humanas e Direitos Humanos no Desenvolvimento Social

Alberto Mudjadju"

Conflict can be understood as a situation in which two or more parties have opposing interests, needs, or objectives, leading to a dispute or confrontation. Conflicts occur in various contexts, such as personal, family, work, social, political, and international (conflicts between countries, such as wars or territorial disputes). Conflicts can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Conflict is a necessary and inevitable aspect of national and international relations. The challenge governments face is not eliminating conflict, but how to effectively deal with it when it arises. It should be noted that conflict only exists between beings of the same species, so there is a need to abandon the idea of "human-animal conflict," because there is no conflict between beings of different species. Hence, the need to seek another term for this type of dilemma.

On the other hand, we find human needs and human rights, which are closely related, as human rights are fundamental to ensuring that people's basic needs are met. Human needs include: physiological needs, which include food, water, shelter, sleep, and health; safety, protection from violence, stability, and financial security; love and belonging, relationships, affection, and a sense of community; esteem, self-worth, respect, and recognition; self-realization, personal development, creativity, and the realization of potential. Regarding human rights, we highlight the following: the right to life, protection from arbitrary or violent death; the right to liberty, freedom of movement, expression, and thought; the right to equality, equality before the law, and protection from discrimination; the right to dignity, protection from inhuman or degrading treatment; and the right to development, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

This topic will be addressed in parts. First, we'll address the relationship between conflict and human needs. This relationship first involves the deprivation of basic needs, i.e., conflicts can lead to the deprivation of basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and health. Second, the destruction of infrastructure, as conflicts can destroy critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, water supply systems, etc. And third, population displacement, as conflicts can force people to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, leading to humanitarian needs. Next, we have the "conflict-human rights" relationship, which necessarily involves human rights violations, as these can jeopardize human rights, such as torture, enforced disappearances, and summary executions; community destruction, as conflicts can destroy communities and lead to the loss of cultural and social identity; and finally, impunity, as conflicts can create a climate of impunity, where those responsible for human rights violations are not held accountable.

As for the relationship between human rights and human needs, it is noted that  Human rights encompass all spheres of life and are related to the requirements of human survival, subsistence, and development (life, security, physical and mental integrity, water, health, education, etc.). As such, they encompass both needs and values: each human right is related to certain basic human needs (identity, protection, participation, subsistence, freedom, etc.). The application or realization of these rights means

that the needs underlying them are being met. The denial of human rights for a period of time means that the needs to which they are linked are not met. However, it is impossible to suppress basic human needs because they are fundamentally important for survival and development. Their pursuit is constant, even if it means losing one's own life. This explains why the systematic denial of rights leads to conflict: human needs are being frustrated. Therefore, the protection of rights is essential for conflict management, as it addresses basic needs that are an integral part of human beings.

The relationship between conflict, human needs, and human rights is crucial because, first, it ensures stability and peace, as effective conflict management and the guarantee of human rights are essential to promote stability and social peace; second, human development, as the satisfaction of basic human needs is fundamental to development and improving the quality of life; and third, social justice, given that the protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice are essential to reducing inequalities and promoting social cohesion. Failure to observe these aspects can lead to negative consequences such as: violence and instability, as the denial of human rights and the deprivation of basic needs can lead to violence and social instability; poverty and inequality; and, ultimately, limited development. Adhering to these three aspects can lead to sustainable development; peace and stability; and social justice. 

2025/12/3