Resistance to Injustice

Abstract

This chapter examines forms of justified resistance and other remedial strategies available directly to the aggrieved in circumstances in which states are unwilling or unable to secure human rights and address patterns of structural unfairness so often at the root of human rights violations. Forms of resistance involving direct action designed to halt unjust activities or force the divestment of undeserved benefits are central to the discussion. Several counterarguments are explored, including the contention that familiar forms of direct action constitute morally impermissible vigilantism or indiscriminately affect innocent beneficiaries. The chapter concludes with thoughts about how direct action, while far from the comprehensive kind of prevention and remedy that structural injustice demands, nevertheless can have value by enhancing the well-being of those who are deeply disadvantaged and relatively powerless.