Human Rights and National and International Agencies (Civic Awareness)

 

Unit 5: Civic Awareness

Lesson 9: Human Rights and National and International Agencies

Introduction to Rights (Fundamental Rights):

The set of laws and rules enforced by the nation for the freedom of the people are rights. Only when people get and enjoy their rights, they can develop their personalities and contribute their best services. Human rights are the rights inherent to all human beings. According to the international human rights laws, the government shall protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedom of people. There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Some articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights are listed below:

1.     Rights to Equality

2.     Freedom from Discrimination

3.     Right to life, liberty and Personal Security

4.     Freedom from Slavery

5.     Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment

6.     Right to Recognition as a Person before the law

7.     Equality before law

Difference between Human rights and fundamental rights:

Human Rights	Fundamental Rights
It is a widespread concept:	It  is limited expression.
It comes under international law	It comes under national law (can vary on a national basis)
It is similar in all the countries	It can differ from country to country
International laws make human rights	Constitution of the particular country is responsible for the formulation and implementation of fundamental rights

 

The role of national and international agencies for the protection and promotion of human rights:

It is very essential to cultivate, preserve and promote human rights in order to run the society, world smoothly. Without human rights, people can’t have progressed in a proper manner. So, we can say here that human rights have interconnected with democracy which can provide freedom. Various national and international agencies are working for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nepal.

1.     National Human Rights Commission: It was established in 2057 BS. It has been working for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. “Dignity, Equality and Justice for all” is the main motto of this agency.

2.     Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC): It was started with the objective of protecting the rights of people engaged in informal sectors since 1988 AD. It has been significantly contributed to protecting and preserving human rights.

3.     Amnesty International: it was established in 1961 AD in London with the objective to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated. This organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 AD and the United Nations Prize in 1978 AD for its “campaign against torture.”

All above institution are independent institutions who are working freely on behalf of Human rights and its protection.