Human Rights

Unit 1 — Conceptual background of human rights and duties

inherent, inalienable, universal, indivisible · values · balance between rights and duties

• Human Rights: Concept, Definition, Evolution, Characteristics, Need, Limitations, Theories of Development of Natural Rights, Theories of Utilitarianism, Idealism, Socialism and Positivism
• Universality of Human Rights

Unit 2 — Philosophical and historical perspectives

theories of human rights · history · human rights movements

• First, Second and Third Generation Human Rights: Their Meaning, Historical
• Human Rights in Western tradition, Normative Foundation of International Human Rights
• The American Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights & the French

Unit 3 — International human rights standards

UDHR 1948 · ICCPR 1966 · ICESCR

• The UN Human Rights System and UDHR
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, First Optional Protocol, Second

Unit 4 — Human rights and duties in India

evolution · Constitution: fundamental rights, directive principles, fundamental duties · enforcement: judiciary, NHRC and other commissions, NGOs, media, education

• Human Rights in India, the tradition of Human Rights in Indian context: ancient, medieval and modern
• Indian Constitution and Human Rights: Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
• The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
• Role of Judiciary in Protection of Human Rights in India

Unit 5 — Societal problems: core problems

poverty, under-development and illiteracy · women, children and disadvantaged groups

• Human Rights Protection of Vulnerable Groups The Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979

Unit 6 — Importance of internalizing human rights and duties

Unit 7 — Enforcement of human rights in India

role of courts · statutory commissions: human rights, women's, minority and backward classes

• The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
• National Commission for Women: Constitution, Role and Responsibilities
• National Commission for Minorities: Constitution, Role and Responsibilities
• National Commission for Scheduled Castes: Constitution, Role and Responsibilities
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: Constitution, Role and Responsibilities
• Role of Judiciary in Protection of Human Rights in India

Unit 8 — Role of regional organizations

European, American and African conventions · SAARC

• Regional Arrangements

Unit 9 — United Nations and human rights

ILO and other conventions and protocols · solidarity rights · disarmament · international human rights commission · right to development

• The UN Human Rights System and UDHR
• Role of ILO, UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO
• UN SDG's, Right to Environment, Role of NGOs in protection of Human Rights