Human Rights

‘A right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.’

We need human rights for protection when our legal rights have been violated by the state or individuals, and to encourage justice and fairness within our societies.

Because of this widely accepted reason human rights are protected by raising both national and international awareness of human rights violations. This can help draw attention and resolve such situations, by creating moral pressure on the government.

Constitutional Rights:

The Constitution of India provides for six Fundamental Rights:

• Right to equality (Articles 14–18)
• Right to freedom (Articles 19–22)
• Right against exploitation (Articles 23–24)
• Right to freedom of religion (Articles 25–28)
• Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29–30)
• Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)

Chronology of events:

1989- Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe act was passed.

1993- National human rights commission established under human rights act.

2001- Supreme court passes extensive orders to implement the right to food.

2005- National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) guarantees universal rights to employment.

Latest petitions in Supreme Court:

The Nirbhaya case- to ensure right against exploitation.

Cheap cancer drugs- to ensure right to life.

Curbing the sale of acid- to ensure the right against exploitation.