4th Periodic Review by the Human Rights Committee

Context

India has recently successfully concluded its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva.

About

• Questions had been posed on various topics together with anti-corruption measures, non-discrimination, popularity of women and of minorities, counter terrorism and national security measures, judicial framework, privacy and data protection laws, new criminal legal guidelines, and so forth. 
• The overview proved India’s dedication to enticing with the international human rights framework and its willingness to deal with issues, while persevering with its efforts toward safety and promoting human rights of its citizens.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 

• The ICCPR was followed by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and entered into force in 1976.
• It is a multilateral treaty that commits countries to admire the civil and political rights of individuals.
• The Covenant elaborates in addition the civil and political rights and freedoms listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The Covenant is legally binding; the Human Rights Committee, established beneath Article 28, monitors its implementation.
• India became a State Party to the ICCPR in 1979.
• The rights and freedoms supplied in ICCPR are guaranteed beneath the Constitution of India in addition to the legislative and judicial framework. 
• India has gone through three ICCPR reviews in the past — the last being in 1997.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• The Declaration was proclaimed through the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in 1948.
• It sets out, for the primary time, essential human rights to be universally blanketed and it has been translated into over 500 languages.
• The record includes a preamble and 30 articles commencing fundamental rights and freedoms.
• It enshrines the inalienable rights that everybody is entitled to as a human– regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Human Rights Committee

It accommodates 18 unbiased specialists serving in their individual capacity, monitors implementation of ICCPR and evaluates reports of all States Parties (international locations) through undertaking periodic reviews, and then making observations and hints.

What are Human Rights?

• Human rights are essential rights and freedoms which might be inherent to all humans, no matter nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other popularity. 
• These rights are taken into consideration conventional, inalienable, and indivisible, forming the inspiration for human dignity, equality, and justice. 
• Human rights are unique from the Civil rights which are created and defined by way of laws inside a specific kingdom.
• Civil rights are legal rights granted and protected with the aid of a central authority, and they may trade through the years as laws are amended or updated.

Significance of Human Rights

• Inherent Dignity: Human rights confirm the inherent dignity of every person. 
• Equality and Non-Discrimination: They attempt to make sure that each one person has equal possibilities and are dealt with with equity and without prejudice.
• Protection from Abuse: Human rights offer a framework for holding governments, establishments, and individuals chargeable for moves that violate those rights, promoting justice and duty.
• Global Standards: International human rights agreements and treaties establish an international standard for a way individuals must be dealt with, fostering a feel of shared obligation for upholding those requirements.
• Human Dignity in Crisis: In times of crisis, human rights provide a basis for responding to emergencies in a way that upholds human dignity and prevents further harm.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analysing theirstructural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (2021)

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