Human Rights: Issues and Perspectives

The subject of human rights is the major theme in the development of modern world. Since the adoption of 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the protection of human rights worldwide has assumed prime importance. Though the idea of human rights is not new, the Declaration and other international covenants have been landmarks in the norm building process of human rights. The nation states have been cajoled lo adopl international stan. dards of human rights protection. Over the years the contents of human rights have been witnessing incessani transformation. Not only is there an intense debate on the reality of protection of first generation human rights, increasing demands on the need of protecting second generation and third generation human rights are also being made. Theoretical contentions apart, these debates have lended to inluse new blood in the veins of human rights.

It should however, not be presupposed that after the adoption of international codes and na. tional laws on human rights, the protection of human rights has finally been saleguarded on the contrary there are many obstacles that are strown across the path to fulfillment of human rights. Since the implementation of these rights is still a matter of state obligation, the strict observance of international standards is nol adhered to by most coun. tries. Application of laws and procedures derogatory of human rights continues unabated. Very many reports of deaths in lock up, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment and exploitation of women, children and other deprived classes have appeared. Dehumanising practices are equally prevalent even in countries swearing by liberal democratic tradetions All these have put a great premium on the protection of human rights. This book comprising learned articles by variOus authors delves deep into broader dimensions, and issues relating to protection of human nghis. The authors have covered the widening horizons of human rights. They have pinpointed the very difficult tasks which lie ahead in the arena of human rights. Indeed such consciousness is necessary for building a course on human rights in any country including India.