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INALIENABLE:-
Human rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away, except in
specific situations and according to due process as these rights are inherent in the
very nature of human being. These are things which are owed to a man because of
the very fact that he is a man.
All human beings are said to be essentially equal. The only condition to claim
human rights is to be human being. Apparently, this appears to be a very
reasonable proposition because it lays down objective equalitarian principle.
Human rights entail both rights and obligations. States assume obligations and
duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfill the obligation to
respect means that states must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the
enjoyment of human rights.
The human rights are neither created nor can be abrogated by the government at
the individual level, while we are entitled our human rights we should also respect
the human rights of others.
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Introduction:-
It was not until after the catastrophic events of the Second World War that
International Human rights law began to develop in a coherent and recognizable
way.
After the dark era of II world war there was a need for creation of a just and stable
International order under the auspices of UNO.
The signing of the charter of the United Nations also marks the formal
recognition that human rights is a matter of international concern.
Preamble ‘we the people of the united Nations reaffirms faith in fundamental
human rights, in the dignity and worth of human persons in the equal rights of men
and women’ and of nations large and small.
Article 1(3):- provides that it is one of the purpose of the U.N. ‘to achieve
international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social,
cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for
human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race,
sex, language or religion’.
Article 13(2):- it states the responsibilities, functions and powers of the General
Assembly to initiate studies and make recommendations for the propose of
‘promoting international co-operation in the economic, social, cultural, education
and health fields and assisting in the realization of human rights and fundamental
freedoms for all without any discrimination.
Article 13(3):- the General Assembly was empowered to initiate studies and make
recommendations for the purpose of assisting in the realization of human rights
and fundamental freedoms.
Article 55:- UN shall promote ‘universal respect for, and observance of human
rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex,
language or religion.
Article 56:- All members shall pledge to co-operate with each other to achieve the
purpose set forth in Article 55.
Article 68:- Economic and social council shall set up commission in economic and
social fields for the promotion of human rights, and such other commissions as
may be required for the performance of its functions.
Article 76:-states one of the objectives of the trusteeship ‘to encourage respect for
human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinctions as to race,
sex, language or religion to encourage recognition of the interdependence of the
people of the world.
Conclusion :-
Thus the provisions of the U.N. Charter concerning Human rights provisions
provide a foundation and an impetus for further improvement in the protection of
human rights.
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Q.NO.5. WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN
RIGHTS LAW.
INTRODUCTION:-
International human rights law is part of public international law. Human Rights
can be defined as basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled such
as civil and political rights, the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and
expression, equality before the law, social, cultural and economic rights, including
the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right
to education.
International Court of Justice
Article 38 of the International Court of Justice Statute outlines the sources of law
as follows:
A. International conventions:-
International treaties are contracts signed between states. They are legally binding
and impose mutual obligations on the states that are party to any particular treaty
(states parties). The main particularity of human rights treaties is that they impose
obligations on states about the manner in which they treat all individuals within
their jurisdiction.
Even though the sources of international law are not hierarchical, treaties have
some degree of primacy. More than forty major international conventions for the
protection of human rights have been adopted. International human rights treaties
bear various titles, including ‘covenant’, ‘convention’ and ‘protocol’; but what
they share are the explicit indication of states parties to be bound by their terms.
Human rights treaties have been adopted at the universal level (within the
framework of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, for instance, the ILO
and UNESCO) as well as under the auspices of regional organisations, such as the
Council of Europe (CoE), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the
African Union (AU) (formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)). These
organisations have greatly contributed to the codification of a comprehensive and
consistent body of human rights law.
The UDHR, was adopted by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA), although not a treaty, is the earliest comprehensive human rights
instrument adopted by the international community.
Twelve years later, in 1966, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) were adopted, as well as the First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR,
which established an individual complaints procedure. Both Covenants and the
Optional Protocol entered into force in 1976.
A Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, on the abolition of the death penalty,
was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1991.
The ICESCR and the ICCPR are key international human rights instruments. They
have a common Preamble and Article 1, in which the right to self-determination is
defined. The ICCPR primarily contains civil and political rights.
The ICESCR consists of a catalogue of economic, social and cultural rights in the
same vein as the ‘social’ part of the UDHR.
The American Convention on Human Rights was adopted in 1969, under the
auspices of the Organisation of American States.
This Convention has been complemented by two protocols, the 1988 Protocol of
San Salvador on economic, social and cultural rights and the 1990 Protocol to
abolish the death penalty.
In 1981, the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, adopted the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Three protocols to the Charter have been adopted: the Additional Protocol on the
Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1998), the
Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (2003) and the Protocol on the Statute
of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights (2008).
B. International custom:-
Customary international law plays a crucial role in international human rights law.
The Statute of the International Court of Justice refers to ‘general practice accepted
as law’. In order to become international customary law, the ‘general practice’
needs to represent a broad consensus in terms of content and applicability, deriving
from a sense that the practice is obligatory (opinio juris et necessitatis). Customary
law is binding on all states (except those that may have objected to it during its
formation), whether or not they have ratified any relevant treaty.
One of the important features of customary international law is that customary law
may, under certain circumstances, lead to universal jurisdiction or application, so
that any national court may hear extra-territorial claims brought under international
law.
Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) any treaty which
conflicts with a peremptory norm is void.
Many scholars argue that some standards laid down in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (which in formal terms is only a resolution of the UNGA and as
such not legally binding) have become part of customary international law as a
result of subsequent practice; therefore, they would be binding upon all states.
Within the realm of human rights law the distinction between concepts of
customary law, treaty law and general principles of law are often unclear.
The Human Rights Committee in its General Comment 24 (1994) has summed up
the rights which can be assumed to belong to this part of international law which is
binding on all states, irrespective of whether they have ratified relevant
conventions, and to which no reservations are allowed:
General principles of law play two important roles: on the one hand, they provide
guidelines for judges, in particular, in deciding in individual cases; on the other
hand, they limit the discretionary power of judges and of members of the executive
in their decisions in individual cases.
PREAMBLE
Whereas 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,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous
acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in
which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from
fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed
their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human
person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote
social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in
a spirit of brotherhood.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this
Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall
be prohibited in all their forms.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to
equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any
discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to
such discrimination.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed
innocent until proved guilty.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or
omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or
international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier
penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal
offence was committed.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the
borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to
return to his country.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum
from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely
arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They
are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its
dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the
intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is
entitled to protection by society and the State.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association
with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this
right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either
alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his
religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive
and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of
frontiers.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country,
directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government;
this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be
by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by
equivalent free voting procedures.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and
favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for
equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration
ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity,
and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection
of his interests.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of
working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and
well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing
and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in
the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or
other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All
children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social
protection.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in
the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be
compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally
available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis
of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human
personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the
community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its
benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material
interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which
he is the author.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full
development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only
to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of
securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others
and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the
general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the
purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Introduction:-
The International covenant on civil and political rights is one of the international
Bill of Rights.
Preamble
Considering the principles of Charter of UN, and inherent dignity of human family.
Recognizing that these rights derive from the inherent dignity of the human
person,
Considering the obligation of States under the Charter of the United Nations to
promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and freedoms,
1. All peoples have the right of self-determination. To freely pursue any status.
3. The States Parties to the present Covenant, including those having responsibility
for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories,.
1. Each State Party to the present Covenant undertakes to respect and to ensure to
all individuals within its territory without any distinction
2. Each State Party shall accordance with constitutional process adopt measure to
represent such rights.
Article 3:- steps for ensuring equal civil and political rights to men and women
The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal right of
men and women .
1 . In time of public emergency which threatens the life of the nation and the
existence of which is officially proclaimed, the States Parties to the present
Covenant may take measures derogating from their obligations under the present
Covenant.
2. No derogation from articles 6, 7, 8 (paragraphs I and 2), 11, 15, 16 and 18 may
be made under this provision.
1. Nothing in the present Covenant may be interpreted as implying for any State,
group or person any right to engage in any activity or perform any act aimed at the
destruction of any of the rights and freedoms.
1. Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by
law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.
2. In countries which have not abolished the death penalty, sentence of death may
be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law.
3. Anyone sentenced to death shall have the right to seek pardon or commutation
of the sentence.
5. Sentence of death shall not be imposed for crimes committed by persons below
eighteen years of age and shall not be carried out on pregnant women.
1. No one shall be held in slavery; slavery and the slave-trade in all their forms
shall be prohibited.
(b) Paragraph 3 (a) shall not be held to preclude, in countries where imprisonment
with hard labour may be imposed as a punishment for a crime, the performance of
hard labour in pursuance of a sentence to such punishment by a competent court;
(c) For the purpose of this paragraph the term "forced or compulsory labour" shall
not include:
(iv) Any work or service which forms part of normal civil obligations.
Article 9:- Right to liberty and security (protection against unlawful arrest)
1. Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be
subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.
2. Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons
for his arrest.
Article 10:- Right of the detainee to be treated with humanity and with respect
1. All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with
respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
(b) Accused juvenile persons shall be separated from adults and brought as
speedily as possible for adjudication.
3. The penitentiary system shall comprise treatment of prisoners the essential aim
of which shall be their reformation and social rehabilitation.
Article 11:- freedom from imprisonment for the failure of contractual obligation
1. Everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within that territory, have
the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence.
3. The above-mentioned rights shall not be subject to any restrictions except those
which are provided by law, are necessary to protect national security, public order.
4. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.
Article 14:- Right to equality before courts and tribunals and right to fair trial.
1. All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals. Everyone shall be
entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial
tribunal established by law.
2. Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to be presumed
innocent until proved guilty according to law.
(a) To be informed promptly of the nature and cause of the charge against him;
(b) To have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence
(d) To be tried in his presence, and to defend himself in person or through legal
assistance of his own choosing;
(e) To examine, or have examined, the witnesses against him and to obtain the
attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf.
5. Everyone convicted of a crime shall have the right to his conviction and
sentence being reviewed by a higher tribunal according to law.
1 . No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or
omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or
international law, at the time when it was committed.
2. Nothing in this article shall prejudice the trial and punishment of any person for
any act or omission which, at the time when it was committed, was criminal
according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations.
Everyone shall have the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or
attacks.
1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his
choice, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and
teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or
to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the
liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and
moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include
freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds.
3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with
it special duties and responsibilities.
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of
public health or morals.
3. Nothing in this article shall authorize States Parties to the International Labour
Organisation Convention of 1948 concerning Freedom of Association and
Protection of the Right to Organize to take legislative measures which would
prejudice, or to apply the law in such a manner as to prejudice, the guarantees
provided for in that Convention.
1. The right of men and women of marriageable age to marry and to found a family
shall be recognized.
3. No marriage shall be entered into without the free and full consent of the
intending spouses.
4. States Parties to the present Covenant shall take appropriate steps to ensure
equality of rights and responsibilities of spouses as to marriage, during marriage
and at its dissolution.
1. Every child shall have, without any discrimination, the right to such measures of
protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his family, society
and the State.
2. Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have a name.
Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the
distinctions mentioned in article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions:
(a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen
representatives;
(c) To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.
Article 26:- Right to equality before law and equal protection of law
All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to
the equal protection of the law.
This covenant was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and
accession by General Assembly and entry into force on 3 January 1976, in
accordance with article 27
Preamble
PART I
1. All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they
freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and
cultural development.
2. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and
resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international
economic co-operation.
1. Each State Party to the present Covenant undertakes to take steps, individually
and through international assistance and co-operation.
2. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to guarantee that the rights
enunciated in the present Covenant will be exercised without discrimination of any
kind.
3. Developing countries, with due regard to human rights and their national
economy, may determine to what extent they would guarantee the economic rights
recognized in the present Covenant to non-nationals.
The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal right of
men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights set
forth in the present Covenant.
1. Nothing in the present Covenant may be interpreted as implying for any State,
group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at
the destruction of any of the rights or freedoms recognized herein.
PART III –Economic, social and cultural human rights (Art 6-15)
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right to work.
2. The steps to be taken by a State shall include technical and vocational guidance
and training programmes, policies and techniques to achieve steady economic,
social and cultural development and full and productive employment under
conditions safeguarding fundamental political and economic freedoms to the
individual.
The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the
enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work which ensure, in particular:
(i) Fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction
of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior
to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work;
(ii) A decent living for themselves and their families in accordance with the
provisions of the present Covenant;
(b) Safe and healthy working conditions;
(d) Rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays
with pay, as well as remuneration for public holidays
(a) The right of everyone to form trade unions and join the trade union of his
choice, subject only to the rules of the organization concerned, for the promotion
and protection of his economic and social interests.
(b) The right of trade unions to establish national federations or confederations and
the right of the latter to form or join international trade-union organizations;
(c) The right of trade unions to function freely subject to no limitations other than
those prescribed by law.
(d) The right to strike, provided that it is exercised in conformity with the laws of
the particular country.
2. This article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on the exercise
of these rights by members of the armed forces or of the police or of the
administration of the State.
3. Nothing in this article shall authorize States Parties to the International Labour
Organisation Convention of 1948 concerning Freedom of Association and
Protection of the Right to Organize to take legislative measures which would
prejudice, or apply the law in such a manner as would prejudice, the guarantees
provided for in that Convention.
1. The widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to the family,
care and education for children. Marriage must be entered into with the free
consent of the intending spouses.
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an
adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food,
clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions.
2. The States Parties to the present Covenant, recognizing the fundamental right of
everyone to be free from hunger, shall take, individually and through international
co-operation, the measures, including specific programmes, which are needed:
(b) Taking into account the problems of both food-importing and food-exporting
countries, to ensure an equitable distribution of world food supplies in relation to
need.
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the
enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
2. The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the
full realization of this right shall include those necessary for:
(a) The provision for the reduction of the stillbirth-rate and of infant mortality and
for the healthy development of the child;
(c) The prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and
other diseases;
(d) The creation of conditions which would assure to all medical service and
medical attention in the event of sickness.
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to
education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of
the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and shall strengthen the respect
for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
2. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to
achieving the full realization of this right:
(b) Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational
secondary education, shall be made generally available.
(c) Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of
capacity.
3. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the
liberty of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in
conformity with their own convictions.
Each State Party to the present Covenant shall provide compulsory Primary
education, free of charge, undertakes, within two years, to work out and adopt a
detailed plan of action for the progressive implementation, within a reasonable
number of years, to be fixed in the plan, of the principle of compulsory education
free of charge for all.
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone:
(c) To benefit from the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from
any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
2. The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the
full realization of this right shall include those necessary for the conservation, the
development and the diffusion of science and culture.
3. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to respect the freedom
indispensable for scientific research and creative activity.
Introduction:-
Regional human rights protection and promotion become increasingly popular over
the past few decades.
Preamble states,
No one shall be held in slavery and to perform forced and compulsory labour.
Services taken for work to be done in the ordinary course of detention, any military
service, during any emergency or calamity threatening the life or normal civic
obligations.
1. Every one has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be
deprived of his liberty except accordance with law
No one shall be punished on account of any act or omission which did not
constitute a criminal offence under national or international law.
1. Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life.
2. No unlawful interference to once private life.
1. Everyone has the right to thought, conscience and religion. To believe and
change one’s religion.
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. Hold opinions and receive and
impart information and ideas without any interference.
2. The exercise of these rights shall be carried with duties to respect the rights of
others.
1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of Assembly and Association with
others. No one shall be force to join or to leave a association.
Everyone whose rights are violated shall have an effective remedy before a
national authority.
During the time of public emergency threatening the life of the nation, the state
party may take measures derogating from its obligation. Which shall not be
inconsistent with its other international obligations.
The restriction in the convention shall not be applied for any other purpose other
than for which they have been prescribed.
PROTOCOL NO 1:-
PROTOCOL NO 4:-
PROTOCOL NO 6:-
PROTOCOL NO 7
Article 4:- Right not to be tried or punished twice for same offence.
Shall,
2. Set up chambers
Article 26:- Single judge formation, committees, chambers, and grand chambers.
2. The committee of ministers may reduce to five number of judges of the chamber
under the request of plenary court.
3. A single judge shall not hear application against the state party of which the
judge has been elected.
5. The Grand chamber also includes the President of the court, vice-president,
other judges.
b. Declare it as admissible and render at the same time a Judgement on the merits.
Regarding the interpretation of convention or any other matter the chamber before
taking any decision shall relinquish the jurisdiction to Grand Chamber.
1. It shall extend to all matters concerning the interpretation and application of the
convention and protocol.
The contracting state parties may refer to the court against any other contracting
state parties on alleged breach of convention and protocol.
The court may receive an application from any person, NGO, a group of
individuals claiming to be the victims of violation of the provisions of Convention.
1. The court may only deal with the matter after all domestic remedies have been
exhausted.
a. it is anonymous
a. manifestly ill-founded
4. At any stage the court may consider inadmissible and reject the application.
1. The state party shall submit written comments and take part in hearings.
3. In all cases the council of Europe commissioner for Human rights may submit
written comments and take part in hearing .
1. The court shall strike out applications out of its list of cases,
The court shall examine the case together with the representative of the parties.
1. The court shall at any stage dispose the case through friendly settlements.
3. The court shall strike out the case and transfer the decision to the committee of
ministers for execution.
1. All cases shall be public hearing and documents shall be accessible to the
If the court finds that there is violation of convention and if the internal law of the
state allows only partial reportation the court shall afford only just satisfaction to
the injured party.
1. In exceptional cases the request to the Grand Chamber can be done within 3
months.
a. when parties declare that they will not request to Grand Chamber.
c. when the panel of Grand Chamber rejects the request to refer the case.
1. The reasons shall be given for judgment as well as for decisions declaring
applications admissible or inadmissible.
1. The contracting parties shall abide by the final judgment of the court.
1. The committee of Ministers shall request the court to give advisory opinion on
legal questions concerning the interpretation of the convention.
It entered into force on 18 July 1978 and inter American court of Human rights
was inaugurated on 3 September 1979. The seat of the court is at San Jose, Costa
Rica.
Article 1:- The States Parties undertake to respect the rights and freedoms
recognized and to ensure to all people rights and freedoms without any
discrimination.
Article 2:-
Every person has the right to be recognised as a person before the law.
1. Every person has the right to have his life respected, protected by law and no
arbitrary deprivation of life.
2. If any country not abolished death penalty, it may be imposed only for most
serious crimes by an competent court, in accordance with law.
3. Death penalty shall not be re-established
4. For political offences death penalty shall not be imposed
5. Capital punishment shall not be imposed on person of 18 years or over 70
years of age or pregnant women.
6. Right to apply for amnesty, pardon or commutation of sentence
1. Every person shall have right to have his physical mental and moral integrity
respected.
2. No person shall be subject to torture, cruel inhuman or degrading treatment.
3. Only criminals shall be punished
4. Accused person shall be segregated from convicted.
5. Minors shall be separated from adults and brought before specialized
tribunals in criminal proceedings.
6. Punishment shall aim for reform and readaptation of the prisoners.
No person shall be punished for the offences which did not constitutes a
criminal offence.
If there is miscarriage of justice the person who is a victim shall have right to get
compensation.
1. Everyone shall have right to have his honor respected and his dignity
recognized.
2. No arbitrary interference in private life, family, home, or correspondence.
3. Right to protection from such attacks.
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression. This includes
freedom to seek, receive and impact information and ideas of all kinds.
2. This right shall have liability
a. To respect for the rights or reputation of others.
b. To protect national security, public order and public health.
3. The right of expression may not be restricted by indirect methods or means.
4. Public entertainment shall be subject to prior censorship
5. Propaganda of war and hatredness shall be punishable.
1. Any person injured because of offensive statements and ideas has the right
to reply and or to make corrections.
2. The corrections shall not any case remit other legal liabilities
3. Every publisher, newspaper, motion picture, radio and television shall have
not protection by immunities or special privileges.
1. Every person shall have right to peaceful assembly without arms, unlawful
restrictions shall not be imposed.
1. Every person has the right to a given name and surnames of parents.
1. Every child has the right to the measure of protection required by his
conditions as a minor on the part of his family, society and the state.
• 1. Everyone has right to simple and prompt recourse, or any right effective
recourse, to a competent court or tribunal for protection against acts that
violate his fundamental rights.
A. To ensure that any person claiming such right shall have his right
determined by competent court.
CHAPTER-IV
The commission was created with the primary function to ‘promote the observance
and protection of human rights and to serve as a consultative organ of the
organization in matter of human rights.
ARTICLE 34:-
The commission shall represent all the members countries of the organization of
American states.
ARTICLE 36
Members shall be elected in personal capacity by the General Assembly from the
list of candidates proposed by member states.
ARTICLE 37
The members shall be elected for a period of 4 years and may be reelected once.
The term of the members in first election shall expire at the end of 2 years
ARTICLE 38
Vacancies that may occur on the commission for reasons other than the normal
expiration of a term shall be filled by the permanent council of the organization.
ARTICLE 39
Article 40
ARTICLE 42
The state parties shall transmit to the commission a copy of each of the reports and
studies that they submit annually to the Executive committees of the council , so
that the commission may watch over the promotion of the rights implicit in the
charter.
ARTICLE 44-47
• COMPETENCE
• Article 44:- Any person , group of person or any NGO may lodge petition or
complaints of violations of this convention by a state party.
Article 45:-
Any state party may when it deposit its instrument of ratification of or adherence to
this convention, if any contravention of the Human rights is done then the
commission shall have powers to take against it otherwise if the state party have
not declared the ratification the commission shall not admit any communications
against such state parties.
1. That the remedies under domestic law have been pursued and exhausted.
2. Petition lodged within 6 months from the date of violation of his rights.
3. The subject matter of the petition is not pending in any other court
Article 46
The provision of Par 1(a) and (b) shall not be applicable when.
A. The domestic legislation of the state concerned does not afford due process of
law for the protection of the right or rights that have allegedly been violated.
B. the person alleging violation of his rights has been denied access to the remedies
under domestic law.
C. there has been unwarranted delay in rendering a final Judgement under the
aforesaid remedies.
Article 47
B. the petition does not state facts that tend to establish a violation of the rights
guaranteed by this convention.
• C. the statements of the petitioner or of the state indicate that the petition or
communication is manifestly groundless or obviously out of order.
D. the commission shall examine the matter in order to verify the facts. It can also
carry out investigation.
E. The commission shall also request the state to furnish any pertinent information,
shall hear oral statements or receive written statements from the parties concerned.
F. The commission shall place itself for friendly settlement of the dispute in
respect for protection of Human rights.
Article 48:
In serious and urgent cases only the presentation of a petition that fulfills all formal
requirements of admissibility shall be necessary to conduct an investigation with
prior to the consent of the state party.
Article 49
The brief statement of the facts and the solution reached shall be mentioned.
ARTICLE 50
• If settlement not reached. The commission shall draw a report of facts and
conclusion.
• It shall contain the opinion, written and oral statements made by the parties
etc.
ARTICLE 51
With in 3 months of the report by the commission to the state party, if the matter is
not settled the commission may by absolute majority set forth its opinion and
conclusions regarding the question submitted for its consideration.
The commission shall make recommendations and shall prescribe a period within
which the state shall take the measures.
Article 70:-
The members of the commission shall enjoy during their tenure immunities
extended to diplomatic agents and also enjoy diplomatic agents privileges.
Article 71
The position of member of the commission is incompatible with any other activity
that right affect the independence or impartiality of such member, as determined
in the respective statutes.
Article 72
The members of the commission shall receive emoluments and travel allowance.
The commission shall draw up its own budget and submit it for the approval to the
General Assembly through the General Secretariat.
Article 79 & 80
The court came into existence in 1978 after the prescribed eleventh ratification of
the convention.
• ARTICLE 52:
• The court shall consist of 7 judges, nationals of the member states of the
organization, elected in an individual capacity from among jurists of the
highest moral authority and of recognized competence in the field of human
rights, and possess required qualification.
ARTICLE 53
ARTICLE 54
• The judges of the court shall be elected for a term of 6 years and may be
reselected once.
• The term of judges elected in first term shall expire at the end of 3 years.
• Immediately after the election, the names of the three judges whose term has
not expired shall complete the term latter.
• The judges shall continue in office until the expiration of their term.
ARTICLE 55
• If one of the judges is called to hear a case should be a national of one of the
state parties to the case any other state party in the case may appoint a
person of its choice to serve on the court as an ad hoc judge.
• If none of the judges is a national of any state parties to the case, each of
the latter may appoint an adhoc judge.
ARTICLE 56
• Five judges shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the
court.
ARTICLE 57:
ARTICLE 58
• The court shall have its seat at the place determined by the states parties in
the General Assembly of the organization; it may convene in the territory of
any member state of the organization of American states when a majority of
the court considers it desirable and with the prior consent of the state
concerned.
• The court shall appoint its own secretary and it shall have office at the place
of court and shall attend the meetings the the court may hold.
ARTICLE 59
ARTICLE 60
• The court shall draw up its statute which shall be approved by General
Assembly.
• ARTICLE 61:-
• Only the states parties and the commission shall have the right to submit a
case to the court.
• The procedure set forth in Article 48 and 50 is required for the court hear the
case.
ARTICLE 62
• The jurisdiction of the court shall comprise all cases concerning the
interpretation and application of the provisions of this convention that are
submitted to it, provided that the states parties to the case recognize or have
recognized such jurisdiction, whether by special declaration pursuant to the
preceding paragraphs or by a special agreement.
ARTICLE 63
• If the court finds that there has been a violation of a right or freedom the
court shall rule that the injured party be ensured the enjoyment of his right or
freedom that was violated.
• The court shall also take appropriate actions in extreme gravity and urgency
cases
ARTICLE 64
• The court may provide that state with opinion regarding the compatibility of
any of its domestic laws with the aforesaid international instruments.
ARTICLE 65
• The court shall submit a report on its work during the previous year to the
General Assembly of the organization.
ARTICLE 66:-
ARTICLE 67
ARTICLE 68
• The state parties shall undertake to comply with the judgment of the court in
any case to which they are parties.
ARTICLE 69
• The parties shall be notified of the judgment of the court and it shall be
transmitted to the state parties also.
ARTICLE 70:-
• Judges shall enjoy immunities and privileges during their tenure which is
extended to diplomatic agents.
The position of the judges of the court is incompatible with any other activity that
might affect the independence or impartiality of such judge or member as
determined in the respective statutes.
ARTICLE 72
ARTICLE 81-82
RIGHT TO WORK
RIGHT TO HEALTH
RIGHT TO FOOD
RIGHT TO EDUCATION
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN
MEANS OF PROTECTION
The charter was adopted on 17 June 1981 at the Nairobi summit. The Charter
came into force on 21st October 1986.
ARTICLE 1:-
The member states of the organization of African unity parties to the charter shall
recognize the rights enshrined in this charter and shall adopt legislative measures
to give them effect.
Article 2:-
Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms
without discrimination of any kind.
Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and integrity of his
person.
Every person shall have right to liberty and security of his person.
Every individual shall have right to assemble freely with others. This right
shall be subject to reasonable restrictions for national security and safety.
1. Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the Government.
2. Right to equal access to the public service.
3. Right to access to public property and services.
Every person shall have right to property. It can be encroached upon in the
interest of public need and according to law.
Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory
conditions and shall receive equal pay for equal work.
1. Every individual shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of
physical and mental health.
2. State parties shall take the necessary measures to protect the health of their
people.
1. State shall take care of the protection of a family of its physical health and
moral
2. State shall assist the family in protection of traditional values of the
community.
3. State shall ensure elimination of all sorts of discrimination.
4. The aged and disabled shall also have the right to special measures of
protection.
All people are equal and enjoy equal and same respect and protection
1. Every person shall have right to property, enjoy, possess and dispose it.
2. If property is arbitrarily deprived they shall have right to lawfully recover it.
3. The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised.
4. The state shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign economical
domination.
1. All people shall have right to economic, social and cultural development
with regard to freedom and identity and equal enjoyment of the common
heritage.
2. State shall have duty to ensure the exercise of the right to development.
1. All people shall have right to national and international peace and security.
The principles of friendly relations implicitly affirmed by the charter of UN
and organization of African unity shall govern relations.
2. For the purpose of strengthening peace and solidarity and friendly relations
the state parties shall ensure that.
a. Individual right to asylum
b. States shall not use their territories for terrorist activities.
All people shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to
their development.
1. Duty to promote and ensure through teaching, education and publication the
respect of the rights and freedoms contained in the present charter.
2. The state parties shall guarantee the independence of the courts and shall allow
the establishment and improvement of appropriate national institutions entrusted
with protection and promotion of freedoms.
DUTIES OF INDIVIDUALS
1. Every individual shall have duties towards his family, society, legally
recognized communities and international community.
2. The rights of individual shall be exercised with due regard to the rights of
others.
3. Duty of an individual to respect and consider his fellowbeings
4. To preserve harmonious development of the family, work , respect for his
parents and to maintain them.
5. To serve his nation by his physical and intellectual abilities.
6. Not to compromise with the security of his nation.
7. To preserve and strengthen social and national solidarity.
8. To preserve and strengthen social and national independence and its defence.
9. To work to the best of abilities.
Article 31:-
Article 32:-
The commission shall not include more than one national of the same state.
Article 33:
The member shall be elected in secret ballot by the Assembly of Heads of State
and Government, from the list of persons nominated by the state parties.
Article 34:-
Article 35:-
The secretary General shall invite state parties at least 4 months before the
elections to nominate candidates. Alphabetical list of the shall be prepared and
nominated and communicate it to the heads of State and Government at least one
month before the elections.
The members shall be elected for 6 year period and shall be eligible for re-election.
The term of the 4 of the members elected at the first election shall terminate after 2
years and term of office of three others, at the end of 4 years.
Article 37:-
After the first election the chairman shall do draw of lots to decide the manes of
those members referred to in Article 36
Article 38:-
After election the members shall declare to discharge their duties impartially and
faithfully.
Article 39:-
The chairman shall inform the secretary-General who shall declare the seat vacant
from the death or date of resignation that effects.
Or for any other reasons the member has stopped discharging his duties.
The Assembly of Heads of state and Government shall replace the member whose
seat became vacant for the remaining period of his term unless the period is less
than 6 months.
Article 40:-
Every member of the commission shall be in office until the date his successor
assumes office.
Article 41:-
The Secretary General shall appoint the secretary of the commission. He shall
provide the staff and services necessary for the effective discharge of the duties of
the commission. The Organisation of African Unity shall bear cost of the staff and
services.
The chairman shall have a casting vote. The Secretary General may attend the
meetings of the commission.
Article 43:-
Article 44:-
Article 45:-
Article 46:-
If any state party finds any other state party violating the provisions of the charter
it may draw up the attention of that particular state through written communication.
This shall include relevant information regarding the rules and regulations and
redress already given .
Article 48:-
Article 49:-
A state party can also refer a matter directly to the commission by addressing to the
chairman, to the Secretary- General and state concerned.
Article 50:-
The commission can only deal with the matter only if all the local remedies have
exhausted.
Article 51:-
The commission shall ask the state party to give complete information about the
matter and also submit written or oral submission.
Article 52:-
After getting the information the commission shall prepare a report and submit it to
states, Assembly of Heads of state and Government.
Article 53:-
Article 55:-
Before each session the secretary of the commission shall make a list of the
commission other than those of the states parties and transit them to the members
of the commission, who shall indicate which communications should be considered
by the commission.
Article 56:-
Article 57:-
Article 58:-
The Assembly of Heads of state and Government may request the commission to
undertake an in-depth study of these cases and make a factual report, accompanied
by its findings and recommendations.
Article 59:-
All measures taken by the commission shall remain confidential and the report
shall be published by the Chairman of the commission upon the decision of the
Assembly of Heads of state and Government.
Article 60:-
Article 61:-
Article 62:-
Each state shall submit every 2 years a report on legislative and other measures
taken to protect rights and freedoms.
The protocol paved way for the establishment of African Court of Human Rights.
The court shall according to the provision of the Protocol complement the
protective mandate of the African Commission.
1. The request of member states or organization of African Unity the court may
provide advisory opinion and shall also give reasons for its opinion.
1. While deciding the Admissibility of cases the court can take opinion from
commission.
2. According to provision of Article 56 the court shall rule on admissibility of
cases.
3. The cases can consider the case or transfer them to commission
The court shall apply the provision of charter and any other relevant human rights
instruments ratified by state parties.
The rules of procedure of the court shall lay down the detailed conditions by the
court considering the rules of commission.
The court may try to reach the cases for amicable settlement.
1. The Secretary –General shall request the list of the candidates for the judges
and the state shall nominate within 90 days of such request.
2. List shall be prepared and it shall be transmitted to the member state of the
organization atleast 30 days prior to the next session of the Assembly of
heads of states and government of the OAU.
1. Period of 6 years and may be re-elected only once. The term of 4 judges
shall expire at the end of 2 years and the term of 4 judges at the end of 4
years.
2. Draw of lots shall be done for the same.
3. The judge shall continue till the next judges is appointed.
After elections the judges shall take oath to discharge their duties impartially and
faithfully.
1. The position of the court is incompatible with any activity that might
interfere with the independence or impartiability of such judge.
1. The judges shall not be suspended unless by the unaminous decision of the
other judges.
2. Such decision shall become final
1. In case of vacancy the president shall inform to the secretary General who
shall declare the seat vacant.
2. The Assembly shall replace the judge.
The judge shall not hear the case from the state which the judge belongs to.
1. The court shall have its seat at the place determined by the Assembly of state
parties.
2. The seat of the court shall be changed.
1. The court shall hear submission by all parties and if deemed necessary hold
an enquiry.
2. The court may receive oral or written evidence.
Article 27:-Findings
1. If the court finds there is violation of rights and the court make appropriate
orders including payment of fair compensation.
2. Provisional measures shall also be taken by the court.
The court shall submit a report on its work during the previous year to the
Assembly.
Expenses of the court, emoluments and allowances for judges and the budget of its
registry shall be determined and borne by the OAU.
The court shall draw up its rules and determine its own procedures.
The protocol shall be open for signature and ratification by any state party.
The present protocol can be amended if any state party makes a written request to
General –Secretary of the OAU after following required steps and procedure for
the same.
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Introduction
Article 226 provides that notwithstanding anything in Article 32 every high court
shall have power, throughout the territorial limits in relation to which it exercises
jurisdiction to issue to any person or authority including the appropriate cases, any
Government, within those territories, directions, orders, and writs including writs
in the nature of Habeaus Corpus, Mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and
certiorari or any of them.
44th Amendment Act 1978 amended Article 226 and added a new clause (3) for
regulating the procedure regarding the power of the High Courts to issue interim
orders-
WRITS
1. HABEAS CORPUS
Is a Latin term which literally means “you may have the body”. The writ is issued
in form of an order calling upon a person by whom another person is detained to
bring that person before the court and to let the court know by what authority he
has detained that person.
It the cause shown discloses that detained person has been detained illegally the
court will order that he be released thus the main object of the writ is to give quick
and immediate remedy to a person who is unlawfully detained by the person
whether in prison or private custody.
In this case a terrorist was arrested and detained in Vishakapatanam prison. The
Terrorist approached Supreme court for writ under Article 32 of the constitution
challenging the legality of his detention and to produce him before the court.
In this case it was held that producing the person who is detained before the court
for hearing and deposing writ-petition is not mandatory.
The writ will lie if the power of detention vested in an authority was exercised
malafide and is made in collateral or ulterior purposes.
The detention becomes unlawful if a person who is arrested is not produced before
the Magistrate within 24 hours of his arrest and he will be entitled to be released on
the writ of habeas corpus.
2. MANDAMUS
The word Mandamus means the order. This writ is thus an order by a superior
court commanding a person or a public authority (including the Government and
public corporation) to do or forbear to do something in the nature of public duty or
in certain cases of a statutory duty.
3. PROHIBITION
This writ is issued to prevent an inferior court or tribunal from exceeding its
jurisdiction or acting contrary to the rules of natural justice.
Writ can be issued in both cases where there is excess of jurisdiction and where
there is absence of jurisdiction.
4. CERTIORARI
It may be used before the trial to prevent an excess or abuse of jurisdiction and
remove the case for trail to higher court.
It is invoked also after trial to quash an order which has been made without
jurisdiction or in violation of the rules of natural justice.
This writ can availed of only to remove or to adjudicate upon the validity of
judicial acts.
The Supreme court has laid down two propositions for ascertaining whether an
authority is to act judicially;
5. QUO WARRANTO:-
A holder of an office is called upon to show to the court under what authority he
holds the office.
The object of the writ is to prevent a person to hold an office which he is not
legally entitled to hold.
Under the inquiry leads to the findings that the holder of the office has no valid
title to it, the court may pass an order preventing the holder to continue in office
and may also declare the office vacant.
Conclusion:-
Hence the above writs can be availed to protect the rights of the people. Under
Article 32 and 226 the Hon’ble Supreme court of India and High courts have
powers to grant this writs respectively.
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INTRODUCTION
Section 2(d): Human rights means the rights of life, liberty, equality and dignity of
the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the International
Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
(a) A chairperson who has been the Chief Justice of the Supreme court;
(b) One member who is , or has been, the judge of the supreme court;
(c) One member who is , or has been, the Chief judge of the High court;
(d) Two members to be appointed amongst persons having knowledge of, or
practical experience in matters relating to human rights.
The Chairperson or any Member may, by notice in writing under his hand
addressed to the President of India, resign his office.
(1) While inquiring into complaints under this act, the commission possesses all the
powers of a civil court trying a suit under C.P.C 1908
Section 18: steps taken by the National commission upon the completion of an
inquiry held.
The commission may take any of the following steps upon the completion of an
inquiry held under this Act, namely:
If the matter is already pending before the commission the state commission
shall not inquire the said matter.
Provided further that where there is a legislative council in a state, the chairman
of that council and the leader of the opposition in that council shall also be
members of the committee.
Provided also that no sitting judge of a high court or a sitting district judge shall be
appointed except after consultation with the chief justice of the high court of the
concerned state.
A person appointed as a Member shall also hold office for a term of 5 years
from the date on which he enters upon his office and shall be eligible for re-
appointment for another term of five years.
The state commission shall submit an annual report to the state government
and also special reports.
CHAPTER 5
For speedy trail of offences relating to violation of human rights the State
Government with Chief Justice can establish in each district a court of session to
be a Human Rights courts to try the said offences.
Nothing in this provisions shall apply if:-
A court is already specified as a special court;
A special court is already constituted for such offences under
any other law in force.
Section 32:- Finance Accounts and Audit Grants by the Central Government.
Miscellaneous
Introduction
Article 1
For the purposes of the present Convention, the term "discrimination against
women" shall mean any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of
sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition,
enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of
equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.
Article 2
States Parties condemn discrimination against women in all its forms, agree to
pursue by all appropriate means a policy of eliminating discriminating
discrimination against women.
(b) To adopt appropriate legislative and other measures, including sanctions where
appropriate, prohibiting all discrimination against women;
(c) To establish legal protection of the rights of women on an equal basis with men
and to ensure through competent national tribunals and other public institutions the
effective protection of women against any act of discrimination;
(g) To repeal all national penal provisions which constitute discrimination against
women.
Article 3
States Parties shall take in all fields, in particular in the political, social, economic
and cultural fields, all appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the
full development and advancement of women.
Article 4
1. Adoption by States Parties of temporary special measures aimed at accelerating
de facto equality between men and women.
(a) To modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, to
eliminate inferiority and superiority of either of the sexes.
Article 6:- States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation,
to suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of prostitution of
women.
Part II.,
Article 7
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in the political and public life of the country and, in particular, shall
ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the right:
(a) To vote in all elections and public referenda and to be eligible for election to all
publicly elected bodies;
Article 8
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure to women, on equal
terms with men and without any discrimination, the opportunity to represent their
Governments at the international level and to participate in the work of
international organizations.
Part III
Article 10
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of
education.
(a) The same conditions for career and vocational guidance, for access to studies
and for the achievement of diplomas in educational establishments of all categories
in rural as well as in urban areas.
(c) The elimination of any stereotyped concept of the roles of men and women at
all levels and in all forms of education by encouraging coeducation and other types
of education.
(d) The same opportunities to benefit from scholarships and other study grants;
(f) The reduction of female student drop-out rates and the organization of programs
for girls and women who have left school prematurely;
(g) The same opportunities to participate actively in sports and physical education;
Article 11
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in the field of employment.
(b) The right to the same employment opportunities, and same criteria for
selection.
(c) The right to free choice of profession and employment, the right to promotion,
job security and all benefits and conditions of service.
(b) To introduce maternity leave with pay or with comparable social benefits
without loss of former employment, seniority or social allowances;
Article 12
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in the field of health care in order to ensure, on a basis of equality
of men and women, access to health care services, including those related to family
planning.
Article 13
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in other areas of economic and social life, in particular:
(b) The right to bank loans, mortgages and other forms of financial credit
(c) The right to participate in recreational activities, sports and all aspects of
cultural life.
Article 14
1. States Parties shall take into account the particular problems faced by rural
women and the significant roles which rural women play in the economic survival
of their families.
(d) To obtain all types of training and education, formal and non-formal.
(e) To organize self-help groups and co-operatives in order to obtain equal access
to economic opportunities through employment or self- employment;
(g) To have access to agricultural credit and loans, marketing facilities, appropriate
technology and equal treatment in land and agrarian reform as well as in land
resettlement schemes;
Part IV
Article 15
1. States Parties shall accord to women equality with men before the law.
2. State Parties shall accord to women, in civil matters, a legal capacity identical to
that of men and the same opportunities to exercise that capacity.
3. States Parties agree that all contracts and all other private instruments of any
kind with a legal effect which is directed at restricting the legal capacity of women
shall be deemed null and void.
4. States Parties shall accord to men and women the same rights with regard to the
law relating to the movement of persons and the freedom to choose their residence
and domicile.
Article 16
1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations and in
particular shall ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
(c) The same rights and responsibilities during marriage and at its dissolution;
(e) The same rights to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of
their children.
(f) The same rights and responsibilities with regard to guardianship, wardship,
trusteeship and adoption of children.
(g) The same personal rights as husband and wife, including the right to choose a
family name, a profession and an occupation;
(h) The same rights for both spouses in respect of the ownership, acquisition,
management, administration, enjoyment and disposition of property, whether free
of charge or for a valuable consideration.
2. The betrothal and the marriage of a child shall have no legal effect, and all
necessary action, including legislation, shall be taken to specify a minimum age for
marriage and to make the registration of marriages in an official registry
compulsory.
INTRODUCTION:-
Children are the most privileged class of human rights. But they are the most
vulnerable section of our society. They are exploited in various ways. The U.N and
it specialized agencies have done pioneering work in this area.
ARTICLE 24:-
1. Every child shall have, without any discrimination as to race, colour, sex,
language, religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to
such measures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the
part of his family, society and the state.
2. Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have a
name.
3. Every child has the right to acquire a nationality
Children and young persons should be protected from economic and social
exploitation.
States should also set age limits below which the paid employment of child labour
should be prohibited and punishable by law.
It contains 10 principles.
Art-1:- states a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years
unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.
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SHORT NOTES
More than 650 million men, women and children in the world suffer from either
mental or physical disability.
Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental,
intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
In order to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities
General Assembly on December 19, 2001 established an Ad hoc committee for the
preparation of a comprehensive and integral international convention on the
protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
Right to Life,
The convention also provided general obligation for the state parties for the full
realization of all human rights and fundamental freedom for all persons with
disabilities.
The state parties shall adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and
other measures for the implementation of the rights.
To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or abolish
existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute
discrimination against persons with disabilities.
To take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of
persons with disabilities in all policies and programmes.
To refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is inconsistent with the
convention.
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a. Older persons should have the opportunity to work and determine when to
leave the work force.
b. Older persons should remain integrated in society and participate actively in
the formulation of policies which effect their well-being.
c. Older persons should have access to health care to help them maintain the
optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-being.
d. Older persons should be able to pursue opportunities for the full
development of their potential and have access to educational, cultural,
spiritual and recreational resources of society.
e. Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and should be
free from exploitation and mental and physical abuse.
The second world Assembly on ageing was held in Madrid in April 2002. It
adopted the International plan of Action and a political Declaration which stressed
the crucial importance of incorporating ageing issues into all development plans.
In the plan of Action three priorities were laid down for older persons
1. Older persons and development
2. Advancing health and well-being into old age
3. Enabling the supportive environments.
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REFUGEES:-
Refugees are referred to those persons who leave their states in which they have
permanent residents to escape persecution or military action.
The Convention relating to the status of Refugees of 1951 defines refugees under
Article 1: “any person who owing to well founded fear of being persecuted for
Refugees are victims of gross human rights violations. They are a distinct
groups of individuals without the protection of a national state.
International action for refugees did not start until 1920’s. Assistance to
refugees was provided through out 1920 by DR. Fridtjof Nansen of Norway. His
outstanding contribution helped in the creation of world public opinion in favour of
the creation of an international machinery for the protection and assistance to
refugees.
League of Nations on June 27, 1921, established the office of the High
commissioner for Russian refugees. Dr. Nansen was appointed the first High
commissioner on August 20, 1921. He devised a so called league of nations
passport, commonly known as Nansen passport a travel document that gave the
owner the right to move more freely across national boundaries. Nansen passport
was adopted by more than 50 states.
After the death of Nansen in 1930 the Assembly of the league of nations
abolished the high commissioner’s post and the task of the protection to refugees
was entrusted to the Nansen International office for Refugees.
IRO had resettled more than a million displaced persons and refugees in new
homes throughout the world.
It repatriated approximately 73,000 to their former homelands and provided some
kind of assistance to more than 1,60,000 persons. The assistance provided by it
included the care and maintenance of refugees in camps, vocational training,
orientations for resettlements and an extensive training service.
The office also develops appropriated policy to curb the refugee problems.
The work of UNHCR is humanitarian, social and non-political. Its basic tasks are
to provide international protection to the refugees within the High Commissioner’s
mandate and to seek permanent solutions to their problems by facilitating their
voluntary repatriation or their assimilation within new national communities.
It focused its efforts on aiding refugees and displaced persons in world war II, but
later its effort was shifted to resettling refugees who were the victims of war,
political turmoil or natural disasters in Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America.
SOLVED PROBLEMS.
a. A man was arrested on charges of killing his wife and he was kept in
judicial custody. Every time he was brought to the court from prison he was
handcuffed. He has written a letter to the chief justice of the High Court
Solution:-
Reasons:-
Article 21:- states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty
except according to procedure established by law”.
Case Law:-
In this case the Supreme Court added yet another projectile in its armoury to be
used against the war for prison reform and prisoners rights.
In this case Justice Krishna Iyer, Delivering the majority judgement held that,
handcuffing should be resorted to only when there is ‘clear and present danger of
escape’ breaking out the police control and for this there is clear material not
merely an assumption.
This is implicit in Art 21 which insists upon fairness, reasonableness and justice in
the procedure for deprivation of life and liberty.
In this case the prisoners were handcuffed while escorting from prison to court. It
was held that this act of the escort party was violative of Art 21 of the constitution.
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Solution:-
It is advised to the villagers that they can file a public Interest litigation under
article 32 of the Indian Constitution against the industries to stop pollution and take
measures to clean up the lakes and also claim compensation from the industries for
the damages for health problems to villagers.
Case Law:-
In this case Vellore Citizen’s Welfare Forum filed a writ petition by way of public
interest litigation drawing the attention of the court towards the pollution caused by
enormous discharge of untreated effluent by the tanneries and other industries in
the State of Tamil Nadu.
It was said that the tanneries are discharging untreated effluent into agricultural
fields.
The Supreme Court held that such industries cannot be allowed to destroy the
ecology, degrade the environment and pose a health hazard and cannot be
permitted to continue their operation unless they set up pollution control devices.
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Solution:-
1. Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be
deprived of his liberty except in accordance with a procedure prescribed by
law.
a. The lawful detention of a person after conviction by a competent court;
b. The lawful arrest or detention of a person for non-compliance with the lawful
order of a court.
c. The lawful arrest or detention of a person affected for the purpose of bringing
him before the competent legal authority on reasonable suspicion of having
committed an offence or when it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent
his committing an offence or fleeing after having done so;
d. The detention of a minor by lawful order for the purpose of educational
supervision or bringing before a competent legal authority.
e. The lawful detention of persons for the prevention of spreading of infectious
diseases, unsound person, alcoholics or drug addicts or vagrants;
f. The lawful arrest or detention of a person to prevent his affecting an
unauthorized entry into the country.
2. Everyone who is arrested shall be informed promptly, in a language which
he understands, reasons for his arrest and of any charges against him.
3. Everyone arrested shall be brought promptly before a judge or other officer
and entitled to trial within a reasonable time or to release pending trial.
4. Everyone who is deprived of his liberty shall be entitled to take proceedings
5. The deprived person shall have an enforceable right to compensation.
Solution:-
The reasons are that impounding the passport of a person amounts to violation of
Art 21 of the Indian constitution.
In this case the meaning and content of the words ‘personal liberty’ was given tge
widest interpretation.
In this case the petitioner’s passport was impounded by the Central Government
under section 10(3) (c ) of the Passport Act 1967.
The Act authorized the Government to do so it was necessary ‘in the interest of
general public’.
In this case the petitioner challenged the validity of the said order on the following
grounds.
1. Section 10(3) (c ):- was violative of Art -14 as conferring an arbitrary power
since it did not provide for a hearing of the holder of the passport before the
passport was impounded.
2. This section is violative of Art -21 since it did not prescribe ‘procedure’
within the meaning of that Art-21
3. It is violative of Art 19 (1) (a) and (g) since it permitted imposition of
restrictions not provided in clauses (2) or (6) of Article 19.
The Supreme Court held that the Government was not justified in withholding the
reasons for impounding the passport from the petitioner.
Solution,
The act of the government violates Article 19(1) (a) and Art 21 of the Indian
Constitution.
Article 19(1) (a):- states that all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech
and expression.
In a leading case
In this case a person Auto Shanker who was prisoner who had been charged and
tried for as many as 6 murders had written his autobiography and handed over to
his wife for publication with the prior approval from the prison authorities.
The announcement sent shock waves among several police and prison officials
who were afraid that their links with the condemned prisoner would be exposed.
They forced Auto Shanker by applying third degree methods, to write letters
addressed to the Inspector General of Prisons and the Editor of the magazine
requesting that his life story should not be published in the magazine.
The Supreme court held that the petitioners have a right to publish the
autobiography of Auto shanker in so far as it appears from the public records even
without the consent or authorization. But if they go beyond that and publish his
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PREPARED BY
JAYALAKSMI.V
ASST.PROF.
AL-AMEEN COLLEGE OF LAW
BANGALORE