The following article revolves around the significance of Human Rights Day, focusing on its origin, the concept of human rights, international protocols related to it, and their implementation in India. It also touches upon India’s recent activities concerning human rights and the measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure these rights.
Human Rights Day: A Historical Perspective
Every year, on December 10th, the world observes Human Rights Day. The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day in 1948, marking the inception of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR laid a foundation of universal values concerning human beings and their relationship with the state. “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights” is the theme for 2020.
Understanding Human Rights
Human rights are universal and applicable to every individual irrespective of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. They encompass the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of expression and opinion, the right to work and education, among others. As Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela expressed, denying people their human rights is equivalent to challenging their very humanity.
International Human Rights Conventions and Bodies
Several international conventions and bodies work towards securing human rights. The prominent ones include Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which carries 30 rights and freedoms that span across civil, political, economic, social, and cultural facets. Various other conventions, such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965), etc., work in specific domains of human rights. The Human Rights Council, an inter-governmental body within the United Nations, works dedicatedly for promoting and protecting human rights.
India’s Role in Human Rights Protection
India has actively participated in the drafting of UDHR and is a party to various international human rights conventions. India’s Constitution, since inception, has incorporated most of the rights enumerated in the Universal Declaration in two parts, the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions and Legal Support
Fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution range from Articles 12 to 35, including the right to equality, freedom, combating exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and constitutional remedies. The Directive Principles of State Policy range from Article 36 to 51, integrating provisions like social security, employment choices, unemployment protection, equal pay, etc. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, also supports the constitution and operation of a National Human Rights Commission for better human rights protection.
Recent Human Rights Issues in India
India’s recent actions concerning human rights have been subject to international scrutiny following the dilution of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Since 2014, there has been a cancellation of over 14,000 NGO registrations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Additionally, several hate crimes against religious and ethnic groups have come into the spotlight. According to the Freedom in the World 2020 report, India’s score has fallen by four points, ranking it at the 83rd position.
Government Measures Regarding Human Rights During the Pandemic
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian government enforced several measures to ensure the right to food of each citizen through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, increased wages under MGNREGA for rural workers, and facilitated direct money transfers to account of migrant laborers affected by Covid-19.
The Way Forward
Human rights remain integral to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ongoing Covid-19 crisis, fueled by deepening poverty, rising inequalities, discrimination and other human rights protection gaps, calls for immediate measures to advance human rights. Only by closing these gaps can we hope for sustainable development and a more resilient, just, and sustainable world.
