500+ Words Essay on Human Rights
Human rights have been present in this world for a long time. They are as old as our ancient civilizations. But it is during these recent years that we have discovered their purpose. Its importance has gained momentum since the end of World War II. People started recognizing it, especially after the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Human rights refer to a set of rights which all humans can access. Man under human rights is not the same as under religion or philosophy. All humans can inherit these rights irrespective of their caste, colour, gender, or creed. Even their economic status does not matter in this aspect. Human rights defend our interests and enhance our living standards.
What do Human Rights entail?
We are entitled to these rights because we are born human. Our existence is the source of these rights. Some of the basic beliefs of these rights include:
- All humans are born free.
- They have equality in dignity and rights.
- Being members of the same family, they should maintain the spirit of brotherhood.
- Human beings are granted with a conscience.
- They have a sense of reason.
- They have the right to be recognized as an individual before the court of law.
United Nations Organization (UNO) believes human rights lay the foundation of freedom, peace, and justice in our world. There are no exclusive privileges or hierarchy in the matter of its possession. These rights are meant to lead our society towards progress.
Being closely related to freedom, human rights improve the lives of both men and women. A better understanding of these rights would promote friendly relationships between different nations. It would bring the world together.
Types of Human Rights
Classification of Human rights is important. It makes us realize our roles in different fields of life. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR) has categorised human rights into two major types:
1. Civil and Political Rights
Civil and political rights include the basic rights of human-like rights to liberty, nationality, and equality. They also take into consideration all the rights to freedom from slavery, punishment, exile, or arbitrary arrest. Freedom of speech, expression, movement, faith, and religion also fall in this category.
These rights limit the government’s authority on our independence. Moreover, these rights allow us to involve in governmental matters. Under these, we are entitled to equal access to public services. We have the free choice to vote whomever we want.
2. Social and Cultural Rights
Social and cultural rights guide the government to come up with new and effective ways. These ways would improve a citizen’s quality of life. Rights to work, rest, and health fall under this category of human rights. These also empower us with the right to equal pay for an equal level of work.
Here, we can enjoy the benefits of having social security (during specific situations). These situations include old age, unemployment, sickness, etc. We can marry, have a family, and be entitled to the right to property. These rights also allow us to preserve our culture.
Importance of Human Rights
The overall development of a country and its citizens is marked by the application of these rights. Each of these rights is unique. For example, the right to life is meant to protect us. It makes sure we are not threatened or killed. It also safeguards our peace of mind.
If we look at the right to freedom of movement, we can see how it’s helping our mobility. This right respects our choices. It enables us to travel and reside at any place in this world. We can reap the benefits of the opportunities presented to us anywhere and anytime.
Human Rights also give us the right to a fair trial. Courts are the legal grounds that provide us with unprejudiced decisions. We can trust this source when all means of justice fail. Besides this, human rights are responsible for ending slavery. They ensure we lead a successful and prosperous life.
Human Rights in the Indian Constitution
The UNDHR (adopted on 10th December 1948) had a significant impact on the Constitution of India. Similar rights were included in Chapter III and IV of State Policy in our constitution. These rights shaped our historical timeline. India’s independence was greatly viewed as a struggle for protecting human rights. These rights enabled every Indian citizen to live an honourable and free life.
India has been devotedly working towards the doctrines of human rights since time immemorial. Article 14, 15, 38, 330, 332, 334, etc protect us against discriminative practices. They also maintain social order. Article 17 of our constitution has led to the abolishment of untouchability. Practising the same in any form is punishable under public offence.
We have rights that allow the reservation of specific groups. This ensures the socio-economic balance in society. Seats for SC and ST students are reserved for their admission into educational institutions and other services. Our Union and State Legislatures have also kept reserved seats for SC and ST candidature. The state of Odisha has reserved 30 % of the seats for women in rural and urban local bodies.
How can Human Rights be Protected?
Time and again, we have seen cases of violation of human rights. It varies from one form to another. In India, there are multiple cases of violation. These include ethnic hatred, gender discrimination, child labour, communal violence, exploitation of workers, etc.
Some of these (like rape, murder, domestic violence, terrorist attack, honour killing) are vicious and need our immediate attention. So how can we protect human rights in India? What are the mechanisms we must employ?
Since the 1980’s, our government has initiated a mechanism to do so. It is known as Public Interest Litigation (P.I.L). Social activists can now file a petition through P.I.L on behalf of the economically disadvantaged sections of our country.
Conclusion
Human Rights (described by the Oxford Power Dictionary) imply the basic freedom all people must hold on to. These rights have emerged as a need for our capabilities. It is essential for the adequate development of our personality.
Lately, they have been considerably violated. Citizens must cooperate with their government to secure the safety of these rights. Doing so will benefit us all. It will result in the formation of a stronger and happier society.
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