Human Rights are inalienable
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'…recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…'
Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 The international community in 1948 affirmed its faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal rights of men and women. Human rights as acknowledged since include the rights of political choice and association, of opinion and expression, and of culture; the freedom from fear and from all forms of discrimination and prejudice; freedom from want and the right to employment and well-being, and collectively to development, etc. in addition to an acknowledgement of the right to life and liberty as a basic, inalienable right. World leaders included in their aspirations the commitment to the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want, the protection of human rights by the rule of law, promotion of social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, and the development of friendly relations among nations. There are more that sixty international human rights instruments and a multiplicity of regional and national undertakings that underpin the notion of human rights and the mechanisms for ensuring their preservation. The human rights framework is then built upon commitments and collaborations established across nations with the support of a number of international organisations and networks, and civil society has increasingly entered into the fray to monitor and advocate for the upholding of human rights. It was acknowledged in 1948 that it is disregard and contempt for human rights that has resulted in barbarous acts, which have outraged the conscience of mankind. Knowledge of and adherence to the comprehensive framework that has emerged (which is also being continually added to and refined) has become especially relevant in an increasingly globalised space, still subject to parochial discord. South Asian context The state of human rights in South Asia in particular also continues to demand attention as the peoples of the region remain victims of intra-regional and intra state conflicts, widespread poverty and related disadvantages as well as ethnic, racial, religious differences and consequent discriminatory practices, and in some cases over time unaccountable and (potentially) repressive governance practices. |
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