UK Aid

Recently, the Prime Minister of the UK, David Cameron, raised the issue of foreign aid with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Cameron argues that any countries being given UK aid should adhere to the rules of "proper human rights." Cameron's concerns are directed toward countries such as Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Ghana, which have intolerant laws against the homosexual community. Critics point out that it is not an easy process to change the laws of such socially conservative countries, and that there are more pressing matters, such as education and poverty, that require our attention more than the rights of homosexuals.

I know many people consider human rights to be of utmost importance, but what should be done in a case such as this? Either way, people are being denied their rights and lives. People cannot survive without basic necessities such as food, money, and protection from political corruption. At the same time, too many deaths have occurred due to the unfair laws against homosexuals. According to this article, it is even illegal to witness a same-sex marriage.

I wonder if it is right to add on conditions to aid at all. Personally, I am opposed to the persecution of homosexuals. At the same time, I cannot help but to be concerned about the alarming violations of human rights of the rest of the population. Are we, as the supposed leaders of the world, allowed to decide what is moral and what is not? Is it right to pick and choose who we help?