About the Book
‘Human Rights’, these two words, had occupied, in the 20th century, the most important place in every major socio-political decision/discussion of human civilization and it still continues to occupy the central stage in the 21st century. For the last 60 years (since the UDHR, 1948), the issue has been the focus area of human civilization. Promotion and protection of human rights have been one of the main objectives of UN and its member nations, while violation of human rights has been the main cause of concern of this world body, judiciary and of civil society all over the world.
Although to augment promotion and progress of human rights, a number of treaties have come into existence but at the same time open violation of human rights by state and non state entities an open secret.
The world community has responded to these problems in various forms, for instance, there is a plethora of human rights law regime in the last 60 years. Slowly but gradually a consensus is emerging across the nations for the protection of human rights. But at the same time violation of human rights is still a big issue and it is taking a different dimension through out the world. The cases of human rights violations are more peculiar in the third world countries including India. In India, not only civil and political rights are violated but protection and promotion of human rights are a distant reality. Despite all the constitutional and legal promises, the governments are unable to protect even the constitutional and legal rights what to talk about the human rights.
It is in this background even after 60 years of Indian independence and the UDHR we are committed to fulfill promises which were laid down in the UDHR and the Constitution. Sometimes it is alleged that human rights issue has been discussed so much that there is nothing new to discuss about human rights. But at the same time it should not be forgotten that still we are not in a position to provide a dignified life to the Aam Aadmi. Therefore, in view of the future of the human rights movement to achieve its desired objectives, it is high time that academia should not only involve in active discussion regarding the theme of the book but should also come out with some concrete suggestions for ameliorating the lot of common human beings.
Now it is a high time to have a fresh look and analyze the functioning of the various bodies of state like police, commissions and their adaptability. Whether the state machinery has succeeded in generating awareness and culture of human rights among the various organs of the state which are responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights? At the same time the academia should engage in a critical analysis of the role of various organs of the states like commission and other agencies which are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of human rights. Focus of the book would also examine the success and failure of various legal measures.
At this juncture we should also ponder over on another dimension of this issue that how the masses are responding and participating in the whole process, because civil society and common people play a very important role in the promotion of human rights. In this book efforts shall be made to analyze the role of civil society and public movement (like RTI movement etc.) for the enforcement of HR. |
