September 2016 - Human Rights & Society

Debate Issue 1: Should the cigarette be illegal?

Ever since the tobacco was discovered in 15th century, human being have enjoyed the pleasure given by cigarette. Cigarette became an irreplaceable product in our society, but as its popularity got higher, concerns on cigarette's effect on human body got magnified. According to World Health Organization, cigarette caused 5.4 million death just in 2004. Being the cause of lung cancer, heart attack, strokes and other diseases, cigarette is receiving huge criticism from the public. Due to this reason, voices asking for the illegalization of cigarette is rising in the society. But considering the individual rights of smokers, banning cigarette permanently can result in violation of human rights. Should the cigarette be illegal?

Pro: Yes, cigarettes should be illegal. (Team B)

Con: No, cigarettes shouldn't be illegal. (Team A)

Debate Content: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oqDwSzox

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Debate Issue 2: Should abortion be legal?

Abortion is an act of ending pregnancy artificially. In the point of view of general public, abortion is a crime, murdering innocent lives with the will of irresponsible parents. Still, many parts of the world(as you can see from the map above) prohibit abortion, taking the act as the violation of the basic human rights. But then a question was brought out. Should abortion be allowed in extreme cases? As we entered 21st century, the rate of rape and sexual crimes have rapidly increased, resulting the victims pregnant with the babies of the criminals. Considering the fact that those new "lives" were not made with the will and decision of the parents and themselves can be the scar of victims for the rest of their lives, some say that abortion should be allowed in these particular situations. But some still insist that anyway it is an act of murder and allowing it with the laws will create a huge confusion to the society.

Pro: Yes, abortion should be legal. (Team C)

Con: No, abortion shouldn't be legal. (Team D)

Debate Content: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lsuhI0XvE4a

IvlEH2jZwKrluM8PyOVdLOr-Uv9qbD2s/edit?usp=sharing