Human Rights - Exam Answer Bank (Based on
Uploaded Syllabus)
Unit I: Meaning, Nature and Importance of Human Rights
Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings without
discrimination. Nature: Universal, Inalienable, Indivisible, Interdependent and Equal. Importance: 1.
Protects human dignity. 2. Ensures freedom and equality. 3. Prevents exploitation and
discrimination. 4. Promotes social justice and peace. 5. Encourages democratic governance.
Historical Development: Magna Carta (1215), English Bill of Rights (1689), American Declaration
(1776), French Revolution (1789), UN Charter (1945), UDHR (1948).
Theories of Human Rights
Natural Rights Theory, Legal Theory, Historical Theory, Social Welfare Theory and Idealistic
Theory. These theories explain the origin, recognition and enforcement of human rights.
Unit II: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Contains 30 Articles. Importance: 1.
First global statement of human rights. 2. Basis of modern human rights law. 3. Promotes equality,
freedom and dignity. 4. Influenced constitutions and international treaties.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Adopted: 16 December 1966. Came into force: 23 March 1976. Features: 1. Right to life. 2.
Freedom from torture. 3. Freedom of speech and religion. 4. Right to fair trial. 5. Political
participation. It is monitored by the Human Rights Committee.
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(ICESCR)
Adopted: 16 December 1966. Came into force: 3 January 1976. Rights include: 1. Right to work. 2.
Right to education. 3. Right to health. 4. Right to social security. 5. Adequate standard of living.
Unit III: UN Human Rights Declarations and Commissioner
The UN promotes human rights through declarations, conventions and monitoring bodies. The UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights: 1. Promotes human rights globally. 2. Investigates
violations. 3. Assists member states. 4. Coordinates UN human rights activities.
Unit IV: Amnesty International
A global non-governmental organization founded in 1961. Objectives: 1. Protect human rights. 2.
Oppose torture. 3. Campaign against death penalty. 4. Support prisoners of conscience.
European Human Rights System
Based on the European Convention on Human Rights. Protected by the European Court of Human
Rights. Significance: 1. Protects civil and political rights. 2. Provides legal remedies. 3. Promotes
democratic values.
African Human Rights System
Based on the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (1981). Protects individual and
collective rights. Promotes equality, dignity and development.
Unit V: Children's Rights
Children have rights to survival, protection, development and participation. The Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted on 20 November 1989.
Women's Rights
Women's rights include equality, education, employment and protection from violence. CEDAW
was adopted on 18 December 1979. It is often called the International Bill of Rights for Women.
Dalit Rights
Dalits are protected by constitutional safeguards against discrimination and untouchability. Article
17 abolishes untouchability.
Refugees
Refugees are persons who flee their country due to persecution, war or violence. International
protection is provided through UN mechanisms.
Capital Punishment
Capital punishment is the death penalty awarded for serious crimes. Arguments in favour include
deterrence. Arguments against include the right to life and risk of wrongful conviction.
Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution
Articles 12-35. Major Rights: 1. Right to Equality. 2. Right to Freedom. 3. Right against Exploitation.
4. Right to Freedom of Religion. 5. Cultural and Educational Rights. 6. Right to Constitutional
Remedies. Article 32 is called the Heart and Soul of the Constitution.
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)
Articles 36-51. Aim: 1. Social justice. 2. Economic welfare. 3. Equal opportunities. 4. Protection of
weaker sections. They are not enforceable by courts but guide government policies.
Fundamental Duties
Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976). Article 51A. Citizens must respect the
Constitution, protect public property and promote harmony.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Established: 12 October 1993. Functions: 1. Investigate human rights violations. 2. Visit prisons and
detention centres. 3. Promote awareness. 4. Recommend measures to governments. 5. Encourage
research in human rights.
State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
Functions: 1. Inquire into complaints. 2. Recommend corrective measures. 3. Promote awareness
and education. 4. Protect rights at the state level.
Frequently Asked 2-Mark Facts
Human Rights Day: 10 December UDHR: 10 December 1948 UN Established: 24 October 1945
ICCPR in force: 23 March 1976 ICESCR in force: 3 January 1976 CEDAW: 18 December 1979
NHRC: 12 October 1993 Article 32: Constitutional Remedies PIL: Public Interest Litigation