UN Deciding Your Rights - Be Afraid

David Hardy at Of Arms and the Law has this blog on a report

submitted by Barbara Frey, Special Rapporteur, whatever that is, to the UN Human Rights Councils's Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

They are apparently having discussions on the "right" to self-defence. Here's just a taste of what is posted.

"20. Self-defence is a widely recognized, yet legally proscribed, exception to the universal duty to respect the right to life of others. Self-defence is a basis for exemption from criminal responsibility that can be raised by any State agent or non-State actor. Self-defence is sometimes designated as a "right". There is inadequate legal support for such an interpretation. Self-defence is more properly characterized as a means of protecting the right to life and, as such, a basis for avoiding responsibility for violating the rights of another. "

I'm trying to read for comprehension here, but this really appears quite clear. Sorry, but it is NOT a way to avoid responsibility of violating another's rights. Defence is REACTIONARY. Defence occurs when one is threatened. You may argue when defence is reasonable or not, but there is no question that self-defence is an action in direct relation to your right to LIFE. If I have no right to self-defence then do I have a right to life?

Please read the rest. It is rather disturbing that a HUMAN RIGHTS group would be dithering over the legalistic definitions in international law with regards to a subject that should be more than self-evident.

Also check out his post on that Jackass Bloomberg's round pound with regards to being sued by gun dealers.