Summary -
‘Human rights’ in practice have been defined to include all aspects of dignified
human existence which make every human being an equal member of the
human family. Human dignity is the essence of human rights. It is the wide
understanding of this aspect and appreciation of the range of dignity of the
individual which defines the true scope of human rights.
Collective and Individual Rights
In general, most human rights
Basic Concept of relate to the individual. It will
Human Rights - become apparent that some of
them can only be exercised by
Classical - These have groups.
been defined to include
civil and political rights First, Second & Third
and generally restrict the Generation Rights
powers of the state in
respect of actions This classification follows the historical
affecting the individual. development of rights.
1. First are the civil and political
rights.
2. Second are the social,
Fundamental and Basic Rights economic, and cultural ones.
With the recent increase in the 3. Third generation of rights
number of human rights, a which are solidarity rights.
concern has arisen that some
rights will become watered
down. Historical
development of
Consequently, the term rights
fundamental rights tend to be
used to indicate more civil and social,
solidarity
importance of certain rights. political economic, & rights
rights cultural
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Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
Features of Human Rights
1966 International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural
People have rights simply Rights (ICESC).
because they are human
The International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),
The (First) Optional Protocol to
Human rights are universal
the Covenant on Civil Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or
Human rights treat all people Punishment (UNCAT).
as equal 1993 Vienna Declaration and
Programme of Action adopted at
the World Conference on Human
These rights belong primarily
to individuals Rights.
Human Rights in the Indian
Human rights encompass the
fundamental principles of Constitution –
humanity
The Constitution of India duly
recognizes the importance of
Major Landmarks in the human rights and guarantees
Development of Human certain Fundamental Rights in
Rights - Part-III,
It includes:
1215 Magna Carta.
o Right of equality,
1776 American Declaration of
o Right to freedom,
Independence and Bill of
o Right against exploitation,
Rights.
o Right to freedom of
1787 Constitution of the
religion, cultural and
United States.
educational rights, and
1789 French Declaration of
o The right to constitutional
the Rights of man.
remedies.
1946 UN Commission on
Article 32 gives the right to
Human Rights.
constitutional remedy in the
1948 Universal Declaration of
form of original jurisdiction of the
Human Rights.
Supreme Court of India for the
1949 Geneva Conventions.
enforcement of these
1950 European Convention
Fundamental Rights.
for the Protection of Human
This is the protection of
Rights and Fundamental
individuals against invasion of
Freedoms.
their human rights.
1961 European Social
Charter.
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Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
National Human Rights Role of Non - Governmental
Commission – Organizations (NGOs) –
The Protection of Huma Rights Act, The impact of human rights has
1993 was enacted in India to provide brought about a profound
for the constitution of a National change on the notions of State
Human Rights Commission. sovereignty.
Today, no nation can say that the
State Human Rights Commissions in
way it treats its citizens is purely
States for better protection of human
a domestic concern.
rights and for matters connected
Globalisation of human rights
therewith or incidental thereto.
with the modern concept of a
Human rights are defined in global village has resulted in the
Section 2(1)(d) of the Act to human rights situation
mean the rights relating to life, anywhere in the world becoming
liberty, equality, and dignity of a matter of international
the individual guaranteed by the concern.
Constitution or embodied in the
International Covenants and Evaluate yourself –
enforceable by courts in India.
The functions of the 1. Define the Human Rights in your
Commission are enumerated in own words.
Section 12 which include a wide 2. The universalization of Human
area to enable the Commission rights has provided the human
not only to enquire into the safety in the world, discuss with
violations or negligence in suitable example.
prevention of violation of human 3. The connection between Human
rights but also to promote the rights and Fundamental rights is
human rights culture and very strong, about the statement
perform any function necessary write your views.
for the promotion of human
rights.
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Political Science (317)
Learner’s Guide, Senior Secondary Course
