Human Rights: Need of Every Human Being
Introduction
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” – Nelson Mandela.
In a world increasingly driven by progress and technology, the essential truth that lies beneath the complexities of governance and jurisprudence is this: every human being, by virtue of being human, deserves dignity, freedom, and justice. Human rights are not privileges to be granted but inalienable entitlements embedded in our very existence. They are the soul of civil society, the moral compass of democracy, and the cornerstone of international peace.
As India, the world’s largest democracy, marches forward on the path of development, understanding the universal need for human rights—beyond caste, creed, gender, region, or religion—becomes paramount. This essay delves into the concept of human rights, its constitutional, historical, social, and ethical bearings, and the multi-dimensional strategies necessary for its realization in both national and global contexts.
Historical Perspective
The seeds of human rights can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Edicts of Ashoka in 3rd century BCE spoke of tolerance, welfare, and respect for all living beings. The Magna Carta (1215) in England introduced the idea of states being accountable to the people. The French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) and the American Bill of Rights (1791) accelerated this evolution.
However, it was the horrors of the World Wars that galvanized the international community into formalizing rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948 by the United Nations, was a landmark moment. It recognized civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights universally.
In India, the freedom struggle itself was a quest for basic rights—against colonial repression, racial discrimination, and poverty. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi envisaged a society where “Sarvodaya”—the upliftment of all—ensures that no individual is deprived of dignity or justice.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Indian Constitution, often hailed as the guardian of human rights, guarantees Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35) to all citizens. These include:
- Article 14: Right to Equality
- Article 19: Freedom of Speech and Expression
- Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty
- Article 32: Right to Constitutional Remedies
Furthermore, Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51) outline socio-economic goals like right to work, health, and education—aligning with the broader vision of human rights.
Landmark judgments like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) broadened the interpretation of Article 21, while Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) introduced workplace protections for women by invoking international conventions.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, has also played a critical role in promoting and safeguarding human rights in India.
Economic Implications
Economic disparity often becomes the biggest violator of human rights. Issues like poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to resources result in systemic denial of education, healthcare, and housing.
According to the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI 2022), over 16% of India’s population still lives in multidimensional poverty. These inequities especially affect tribal populations, women, and urban poor.
NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India @75 and initiatives like PM-Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the National Education Policy (NEP) aim at inclusive development, thereby reinforcing human rights through economic empowerment.
Social Dimensions
Casteism, patriarchy, communalism, and regional prejudices remain structural barriers in realizing human rights in India. The centuries-old caste hierarchy continues to manifest in manual scavenging, honor killings, and untouchability—even after decades of legal abolition.
Gender inequality also persists in various forms—violence, wage-gap, and underrepresentation in decision-making. Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on caste, sex, or religion, but its implementation falters where social orthodoxy meets apathy.
Social reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Raja Rammohan Roy envisioned a society where rights do not remain notional but become lived realities. The Swachh Bharat Mission and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao seek to address social inequities related to dignity and access.
Political Dimensions
The vibrancy of democracy depends on protection of individual rights—freedom of speech, dissent, and participation. In recent times, concerns have arisen regarding growing intolerance, unlawful surveillance, and curbs on civil society organizations.
The Supreme Court in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy Case (2017) declared right to privacy as intrinsic to right to life, reaffirming political will to evolve human rights jurisprudence.
At the same time, challenges like sedition laws, misuse of preventive detention acts, and curtailment of internet in some regions pose risks to political rights. A vigilant citizenry, free press, and transparent governance are essential to uphold these freedoms.
Ethical and Philosophical Aspects
The philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—reminds us that human rights are not just legal entitlements but moral duties. Swami Vivekananda emphasized the spiritual equality of all human beings.
Ethical governance, empathetic policymaking, and moral leadership become critical tools to create a just society. When rights are valued not out of compulsion but compassion, justice becomes organic.
Gandhiji’s concept of “Antyodaya”—upliftment of the last person—resonates deeply with the idea that human rights are not selective but universal.
Global and Environmental Context
Human rights also interact with global responsibilities. The refugee crisis in Syria, racial injustice in the US, or the plight of the Uyghur Muslims in China challenge the very architecture of global conscience.
India, as a signatory to major UN declarations and a vocal member of the Global South, has a crucial voice in shaping a new global social contract. At home, India’s SDG commitments link environmental justice with human rights—clean air, climate resilience, and access to water are modern-day rights.
Rights of indigenous communities, right to a clean environment (affirmed in MC Mehta cases), and sustainable development encapsulate the deep interdependence between human dignity and environmental stewardship.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the theoretical framework for human rights is robust, their implementation often falters. Challenges include:
- State apathy and underfunding of rights-based institutions
- Weakness of monitoring agencies like NHRC
- Judicial backlogs delaying access to justice
- Populist politics overpowering liberal values
Critics often argue that human rights are “Western imports” misaligned with cultural specificities. However, India’s own civilizational values—and constitutional vision—dispel such myths. Rights, when rooted in empathy and inclusivity, become culturally resonant.
Case Studies and Examples
India
- Nirbhaya Case (2012): Catalyzed legal reforms for women's rights and fast-track courts.
- Right to Food Campaign: Led to the National Food Security Act, ensuring access to food as a right.
- Section 377 Reading Down (2018): Decriminalized homosexuality, marking a leap in LGBTQIA+ rights.
Global
- South Africa: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission post-apartheid embodied rights-based restorative justice.
- Sweden: Adopted a feminist foreign policy that places gender rights at the center of diplomacy.
- Germany: Gave asylum to over 1 million refugees, honoring global humanitarian values.
Conclusion
Human rights are neither abstract ideals nor distant dreams—they are the essence of a humane society. They empower the voiceless, protect the vulnerable, and dignify the marginalized. For India, fulfilling this promise goes beyond legal mandates—it is a moral, constitutional, and democratic duty.
As Swami Vivekananda once said, “They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.” Ensuring human rights is not just about preserving life but enriching it with justice, equality, and compassion. Let us dream of an India—and a world—that breathes through every citizen the fresh air of dignity, freedom, and fairness. For in every individual who is respected, the soul of humanity resonates.
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