UNIT 3- HUMAN RIGHTS
Q1) What are the fundamental rights of our constitution?
Ans) The fundamental rights of our constitution are:-
● Right to Equality
● Right to Freedom
● Right against Exploitation
● Right to Freedom of Religion
● Cultural and Educational rights
● Right to Constitutional Remedies
Q2) When was the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
done?
Ans) The proclamation of Human right was done on December 10th, 1948 by the United Nations
General Assembly. It is considered as a historic landmark in the history of humanity's struggle
for a civilised life.
Q3) What was the need for declaring human rights?
Ans) The second world war was considered a human tragedy. It brought about mass human
destruction subjecting millions of innocent people to a life of misery. The war and the ghastly
happenings shook the conscience of a large number of people in various countries. This led to the
formation of the United Nations Organisation (UNO), whose primary aim was to settle disputes
among various nations and help them to work together for the good of mankind. One of its
important objectives was to promote respect for human rights and support the freedom of all
people irrespective of their race, religion, sex, colour or language.
Q4) Explain what ECOSOC is and about its members.
Ans) ECOSOC stands for Economic and Social Council. It was established in 1945. It is one of
the important principle organs of the UNO, which was made responsible for matters pertaining to
human rights. The council decided to set up a Human Rights Commission in order to assist it in
its important task.
When it was established, there were a total number of 18 member Commission members,
including the representative of all the five permanent members of the security council: The USA,
UK, Russia, France and China. The remaining 13 members were taken from different countries
and India was one of them. Sir Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar was the first president of the
ECOSOC (1946-1947). Currently consists of 54 UN member states where each member is
elected by the UN General Assembly after every three years.
Q5) Explain India’s role in promoting human rights.
Ans)
● India has been part of human rights since its independence in 1947
● India was the chairman of Human Rights Commission in 1961
● At its first session, India's representative Hansa Mehta challenged Africa's apartheid
policy
● In 1962 India hosted a seminar on freedom of information
● India was a supporter of freedom movements all over the world. For example- it stood
by Palestinians against Israel occupation of their lands
● All our Fundamental Rights in constitution have a close similarity with UDHR
Q6) Write some of the important rights of UDHR.
Ans) There are a total number of 30 rights of UDHR. Some of them are listed below:-
● All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights
● Everyone has the right to live, have liberty and security
● No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or
punishment
● Prohibition of slavery
● Equal protection of law without discrimination
● Marriage shall be entered into only with free and full consent of both individuals
● Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others
● Everyone has the right to freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion
● Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression
● Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
Q7) Explain that human rights are the means of establishing harmonious world order.
Ans) The major cause of tension and friction in the society is the denial of basic civil, economic
rights and fundamental freedom. Religious intolerance and racial hatred have also been one of
the basic causes of war. Therefore, by establishing respect for the observance of civil and
economic Human Rights, we can promote a better understanding among individuals and nations
and establish a harmonious international order and peace to ensure stability in the world.
Q8) Write Short Notes on the following.
A) Declaration on the rights of the child- The declaration on the rights of the child was
established in the year 1959. This was meant to prevent exploitation of children for
material benefits and provide opportunities and facilities to them to develop in a healthy
manner. The United Nations have since adopted a Convention on the Rights of the
Children which had been ratified by more than 50 member states by 1990.
B) Convention against Racial Discrimination- This declaration was done in the year 1965
where it seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on race, colour, descent or
ethnic origin. This convention also includes an article which forbid all dissemination of
ideas based on racial superiority and hatred, incitement to racial discrimination as well as
acts of violence.
C) Amnesty International- Amnesty International is a global non-governmental
organisation (NGO) founded in 1961, with its headquarters located in London, UK. It
tries to ensure that various governments and organisations pay due respect to Human
Rights. It has its branches functioning in a large number of countries. These branches
prepare and submit reports on the violation of these rights in their respective areas, to the
international organisation or national governments periodically or as and when necessary.
The Amnesty International also publishes an annual report, listing the violation of Human
Rights by various nations