VOICES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Today the world over, there is considerable discussion on human rights and various United Nations bodies and non-governmental organisations are concerned about the implementation of human rights. The term ‘human right’ is basically understood as of “the rights of man”. The Universal Declaration 1948 was the first of the series of documents intended to constitute an International Bill of Rights and it was followed by two important Covenants transforming the principles enunciated in the Universal Declaration in to treaty provisions establishing legal obligation on the part of each ratifying country. One was the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its Optional Protocol and the other was the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. India, as an active member, has promptly ratified both these International Covenants with certain modifications. Human rights being essential for all round development of the personality of the individuals in the society, be necessarily protected and made available to all the individuals. They must be preserved, cherished and defended if peace and prosperity are to be achieved. Human rights are the very essence of a meaningful life, and to maintain human dignity is the ultimate purpose of the Government.