2nd Term
HUMAN
RIGHTS
Meaning:
human rights are basic rights and privileges of citizens in a country enshrined
in the constitution. Fundamental human rights are to be enjoyed by all human
beings irrespective of their race, sex, age, language or geographical location.
Human rights are categorized into: (1) Social rights e.g. right to freedom of
association (2) political right e.g. right to vote and be voted fore (3)
economic right e.g. right to personal property (4) Legal right e.g. right to
fair hearing, legal representation, justice, equality before the law and right
to sue.
History
of human right and 1948 declaration of human rights:
In 1948, the
General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted by a committee headed by
Franklin D. Roosevelt's widow, Eleanor, and including the French lawyer René Cassin. The document proclaims basic civil,
political, and economic rights common to all human beings. The Declaration
serves as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all
nations" rather than a legally binding document.
Limitations
of human rights: (1) War: during war, most human rights are
violated flagrantly. E.g. torture and killing violate rights to personal
dignity and life. (2) state of
emergency (3) When the security of
the state is threatened, the government may declare curfew which in turn will
limit the individual’s right to freedom of movement. (4) Emergency situations can make the government take emergency
measures that might adversely affect the individual’s right (5) Breach of law: this incurs punishment on the offender and the
punishment is itself a limitation to his human right. E.g. imprisonment is a
limitation to the right to freedom of movement. (6) Threat to the health of the society: although a person has
right to own a business, yet if the business poses a threat to the health of
the society, then such business may be suspended.
No comments:
Post a Comment