Essay on “Human Rights” Complete Essay for Class 9, Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Human Rights

Essay No. 01

Much is spoken about human rights and human rights violations. There is an inherent problem with this approach to trying to create a just world for humans to live in that is conducive to the actualizing of human potential. Even for the most “humanistic” among us, hearing the word “human” conjures up associations of that which is flawed and temporal . For those among us who are of a less generous spirit, the word “human” arouses visions of that which is barely more than animal, that which can be exploited and abused, that which is to be preyed upon. Of course there are those who feel free to decide who is human and to what degree. The concept of human rights is vulnerable to being usurped by secular “humanist” who have their own agenda for the future of humankind, as will be discussed shortly. At worst, the really unsavoury among us can perpetrate all kinds of perversions of justice even as they hide behind the banner of “human rights’. It seems clear that appealing to our gentler sentiments with the subject of “human rights” is doomed to failure. We are in need of an unequivocal concept that cannot be distorted or used cynically and opportunistically.

When secular humanitarians speak about “human rights” they are convinced that they are well-meaningly edging the world toward a scenario in which everyone is making a good enough living to have access to enough creature comforts so as to be a bit dulled and lethargic and not be a nuisance or a threat to those who are getting really rich at their expense. They want to create a world of willing, salary slaves who are making enough money to indulge their passions and fantasies, and thus be addicted to them. We are not intended to reach the zenith of human potential as envisioned by secular humanists.

We are intended to actualize the godliness which is inherent in each and every one of us. Preventing a human being from actualizing his/her god-self, keeping people unaware that this self exists, is a terrible torment, indeed, even if the means of prevention is considered pleasant and desirable by the individual who prefers to be a slave to his/her lower Self.

Keeping one’s own self enslaved, is the gravest infidelity that one can commit.

When the slaveholder acts cruelly to the slave he causes the slave to contemplate escape. What merit can be found in the slave who, being able to walk out free, chooses to remain and be the chattel of another, even though he serves in a palace? Although it is true that there are Souls that take it upon themselves to experience all manner of hardships in order to bring the Light of God to the nether worlds, these are not the most advanced Souls spiritually. It is possible to achieve the same wisdom by higher means.

True kindness resides in educating and encouraging the human race from our birth to believe in God, in ourselves and in each other. It means making each person know that they are participating in the great unfolding of the infinite. True kindness towards our children resides in seeing to it that every avenue for spiritual advancement is open to them and preventing anything from impeding that advancement. We need to protect our children from falling prey to those who would hinder their enjoyment of, or interfere with, the spiritual journey by addicting them to gross physical and emotional stimulation.

We also have the problem of defining what exactly are, ‘Human rights”. Questions like the following arise: Does every human have the right to a home? Does every human have the right to adequate food and hygiene? Does every, human have the right to be literate? Does every human have the right to be healthy and free of pain? Does every human have the right to reproduce? Do these rights extend to all humans under all circumstances? Why is it that we see that God has commissioned nature to take these “rights” from some humans? Why is it that God has given us the power to torment one another? What are we to say about those humans who willingly give up some or all of these “rights”? These questions confound the mind because we are trying to understand what a human is, and what a human’s rights are in a secular, materialistic and even mechanical way. We then fall into the trap of imagining the questions to be of an academic, intellectual nature. The issues as to what humans need and whether these needs can be satisfied and how become crystal clear when we conceive of what a human being is clearly.

Essay No. 02

Human Rights

The right to live and exist, the right to equality, including 1 equality before law, non-discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and equality of opportunity in matters of employment, the right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, the right to practice any profession or occupation, the right against exploitation, prohibiting all forms of forced labour, child labour and trafficking in human beings, the right to freedom of conscience, practice and propagation of religion and the right to legal remedies for enforcement of the above are basic human rights. These rights and freedoms are the very foundations of democracy. Obviously, in a democracy the maximum number of the freedoms and the rights are enjoyed by the people. Besides these are political rights, which include the right to contest an election and to vote freely for a candidate of one’s choice. Human rights are a benchmark of a developed and civilised society. But rights cannot exist in a vacuum. They have their corresponding duties. Rights and duties are the two aspects of the same coin. Liberty never means licence. Rights pre-suppose a rule of law, where each and everyone in the society follows a code of conduct and behaviour for the good of all. It is the sense of duty and tolerance that gives meaning to rights. Rights have their basis in the principle of live and let live. For example, my right to speech and expression involves my duty to allow others to enjoy the same freedom of speech and expression. Rights and duties are inextricably interlinked and interdependent. A perfect balance is to be maintained between the two. Whenever there is imbalance, there is chaos. A sense of tolerance, propriety and adjustment is a must for enjoyment of rights and freedom. Human life sans basic freedom and rights is meaningless. Freedom is the most precious possession without which life would become intolerable, a mere abject and slavish existence. In this context the famous and oft-quoted lines of Milton from his Paradise Lost come to mind: “To reign is worth ambition though in hell/Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven.”

But then liberty cannot survive without its corresponding obligations and duties. An individual is a part of society in which he enjoys certain rights and freedom only because of fulfillment of certain duties and obligations towards others. Thus, freedom is based on mutual respect for each other’s rights. A fine balance is to be maintained between the two or there will be anarchy and bloodshed. The human rights can best be preserved and protected in a society steeped in morality, discipline and social order.

Violation of human rights is most common in totalitarian and despotic states. In the theocratic states there is much persecution and violation in the name of religion and the minorities suffer the most. Even in democracies, violation and infringement of human rights and freedom is widespread. The women, children and the weaker sections of the society Are victims of these transgressions and violence. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights’ main concern is to protect and promote human rights and freedom in the nations of the world. In its various sessions held from time to time in Geneva, it adopts various measures to encourage world-wide observations of these basic human rights and freedom. It calls on its member states to furnish information regarding measures complied with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whenever there is a complaint of violation of these rights. It reviews human rights situations in various countries of the world and initiates remedial measures when required. It was much concerned and dismayed at the apartheid being practised in the South Africa till recently. The Secretary General then declared, “The United Nations cannot tolerate apartheid. It is a legalised system of racial discrimination, violating the most basic human rights in South Africa. It contravenes the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter. That is why over the last forty years, my predecessors and I have urged the Government of South Africa to dismantle it.” Now, although apartheid is no longer practised in that country, there are other forms of apartheid being blatantly practiced worldwide. For example, sex-apartheid is most rampant. Women are subject to abuse and exploitation. They are not treated equally; they are paid less than their male counterparts for the same kind of jobs. In employment, promotions, and possession of property, etc., they are most discriminated against. Similarly, the rights of children are not observed properly. They are abused and exploited. They are forced to work hard in very dangerous situations. They are sexually assaulted and exploited, sold and bonded for labour.

The Commission has found that religious persecution, torture, summary executions without judicial trials, intolerance, slavery-like practices, kidnapping, and political disappearance, etc., are being practised even in the so-called advanced countries and societies. The continued acts of extreme violence, terrorism and extremism in various parts of the world like, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Somalia, Algeria, Lebanon, Chile, China, and Myanmar, etc., by the governments, terrorists, religious fundamentalists, and mafia outfits, etc., is a matter of grave concern for the entire human race. Violation of freedom and rights by terrorist groups backed by states is one of the most difficult problems being faced by the society. For example, Pakistan has been openly collaborating with various terrorist groups, indulging in extreme violence in India and other countries. In this regard the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva adopted a significant resolution, which was co-sponsored by India, focusing on gross violation of human rights perpetrated by terrorist groups backed by some states. The resolution expressed its solidarity with the victims of terrorism and proposed that a U.N. Fund for victims of terrorism be established soon. The Indian delegation on this occasion recalled that, according to the Vienna Declaration also, terrorism is nothing but the destruction of human rights for it shows total disregard for the lives of innocent men, women and children. The delegation further argued that terrorism cannot be treated as a mere crime because it is systematic and widespread in its killing of civilians. Violation of human rights, whether by states, terrorists, separatist groups, armed fundamentalists or extremists, is condemn able. Regardless of the motivation, such acts should be condemned categorically in all forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever they are committed, as acts of aggression aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedom and democracy. The Indian delegation also underlined concerns about the growing connection between terrorist groups as well as the consequent commission of serious crimes, including rape, torture, arson, looting, murder, kidnappings, blasts, and extortions, etc.

Violation of human rights and freedom gives rise to alienation, dissatisfaction, frustration and acts of terrorism. The governments run by very ambitious and self-seeking people often use repressive measures and find violence and terror as an effective means of control. But state terrorism, violence and transgression of human freedom is a very dangerous strategy. This has been the background of all revolutions, in the world. Whenever there is systematic and widespread state persecution and violation of human rights, rebellion and revolution have taken place. The French, American, Russian and Chinese Revolutions are glowing examples of human history. The first war of India’s Independence in 1857 was a result of a long and systematic oppression of the Indian masses. The rapidly increasing discontent, ‘frustration and alienation with the British rule gave rise to strong national feelings and demand for political privileges and rights. Ultimately the Indian people, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, made tie British to leave India, setting the country free and independent.

The human rights and freedom ought to be preserved at all cost. Their curtailment degrades human life. Human rights may be reshaped according to the political needs of the country but they should not be distorted out of shape. Tyranny and regimentation, etc., are inimical of humanity and should be resisted effectively and unitedly. The sanctity of human values, freedom and rights must be preserved and protected. Human Rights Commissions should be established in all the countries to take care of human freedom and rights. In cases of violation of human rights, affected individuals should be properly compensated and it should be ensured that these do not take place in future. These commissions can become effective instruments in percolating the sensitivity to human rights down to the lowest levels of the governments and administrations. The formation of National Humans Rights Commission in October 1993 in India is really commendable and should be followed by other countries.