by: Dr. Kavita Kumari
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, language, or any other status. These rights are considered universal, inalienable, and indivisible. The Concepts of human rights have ancient roots, seen in early philosophical works such as those by Confucius, Cicero, and others. Magna Carta was one of the earliest documents to limit the powers of the king and recognize the rights of subjects. Thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau furthered ideas about natural rights and the social contract. The pivotal moments where human rights and ideas were formally articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789). After the formation of the United Nations’ Organisation (UNO) its Assembly adopted the resolution on December 10, 1948 which included 30 articles detailing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that all human beings should enjoy. Thereafter, it became not only legally binding but has also influenced all national constitutions and international treaties. In broader sense, it has been divided in three categories: a. Civil and Political Rights: Including rights to life, liberty, and security, freedom of speech, religion, and privacy, and the right to a fair trial.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Include the right to work, education, health, and an adequate standard of living and c. Collective Rights: Include the right to self-determination, development, and environmental rights. At a later stage, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) were both adopted in 1966 and are binding for the countries that have ratified them. As a follow-up of the theme, the European Convention on Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the American Convention on Human Rights were formed and implemented. Several world bodies continuously, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC), work to monitor and enforce human rights standards. Although enforcement varies, many countries have incorporated human rights into their legal systems. However, even today, issues like state sovereignty, cultural relativism, economic disparities, and political conflicts complicate the protection and promotion of human rights.
Significance of human rights: The significance of human rights lies in their fundamental role in ensuring human dignity, equality, and justice. The key aspects that highlight the importance of human rights include a. Protection of Human Dignity: Intrinsic Value: Human rights affirm the intrinsic value of each individual, recognizing that everyone deserves respect and dignity simply by virtue of being human. Freedom from Abuse: They protect individuals from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, ensuring that people can live without fear of oppression.
Foundation for Justice and Equality: Human rights promote equality by ensuring that all individuals have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their background or status. Rule of Law: They provide a framework for justice, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently and that those who violate rights are held accountable. c. Promotion of Peace and Stability: Conflict Prevention: Respect for human rights can prevent conflicts and foster
peace. When people’s rights are protected, grievances are less likely to escalate into violence. Social Stability: Societies that uphold human rights tend to be more stable and cohesive, as citizens are more likely to trust and cooperate with each other and their governments.
Empowerment and Participation: Empowerment: Human rights empower individuals to take control of their own lives, make choices, and participate fully in society. Democratic Participation: They are essential for the functioning of democratic systems, ensuring that people can freely express their opinions, assemble, and participate in political processes.
Development and Well-being Economic Development: Human rights contribute to sustainable development by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and decent working conditions. Quality of Life: They improve overall quality of life by ensuring that basic needs are met and that people can pursue their aspirations without undue hindrance.
Global Ethical Standards: Human rights provide a common ethical framework that transcends national, cultural, and religious boundaries, promoting a sense of global solidarity and shared values. International Cooperation: They facilitate international cooperation and diplomacy, as countries work together to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and conflict.
Protection in Times of Crisis: In times of crisis, such as natural disasters or armed conflicts, human rights frameworks guide humanitarian responses to ensure that aid is provided fairly and without discrimination. Resilience and Recovery: They help build resilience and support recovery by ensuring that all individuals and communities have the resources and protections needed to rebuild their lives.
Education and Awareness: Promotes awareness and understanding of rights, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance. Advocacy: Encourages individuals and organizations to advocate for the protection and promotion of rights, driving social change and reform. Thus, significance of human rights is multifaceted, impacting virtually every aspect of individual lives and society as a whole. They are foundational to building a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Importance for Women: In today’s context, women’s human rights are a critical component of the broader human rights framework, emphasizing the need for equality, non-discrimination, and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Despite significant progress, women and girls continue to face systemic discrimination and various forms of violence that undermine their ability to fully enjoy their rights. Although, empowering women leads to broader economic benefits, including increased productivity and economic diversification. Improved health outcomes for women have positive ripple effects on families and communities as well as it also contribute to social cohesion and stability, reducing the likelihood of conflict. However, in the way of their development, there are several challenges and Barriers which include: Gender-Based Violence: One of the most pervasive violations of women’s rights globally, affecting millions of women and girls.
Discrimination in Education and Employment: Cultural norms and systemic barriers often limit women’s access to education and economic opportunities. Political Participation: Women remain underrepresented in political and decision-making processes worldwide. Health Inequities: Disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in reproductive health, continue to affect women disproportionately. Despite several odds, women at large have also progressed a lot in many fields which include: the MeToo Movement: A global movement against sexual harassment and assault, highlighting the prevalence of these issues and pushing for systemic change.
Gender Pay Gap: Ongoing efforts to address wage disparities between men and women. Representation and Leadership: Increasing the number of women in leadership roles across various sectors.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that women’s experiences of discrimination and inequality are shaped by intersecting factors like race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, and disability.
Author is Guest Faculty Member, Dept. of Pol. Sc. BNMU, West Campus P. G. Centre, Saharsa. She can be mailed at Kavita.hdwr@gmail.com
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