www.tntextbooks.

in

Unit - 4
Human Rights
and UNO

Learning Objectives
▶ Understand what human rights are
▶ Understand the relationship between rights and responsibilities
▶ Know the importance of Human rights
▶ Understand that human rights belong to everybody
▶ Appreciate the meaning and significance of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, 1948

Introduction a. Written Precursors of Human Rights

Documents
Everybody is born equal. Each individual in
the world has the right to lead a dignified life of The Magna Carta of 1215(England) – gave
his or her own choice. Human rights are related to people new rights and made the king subject to
individuals and society. Human rights denotes all
the law.
those rights that are inherent and ensure that we
live as free people and exercise our choices. The The Petition of Right 1628(England) – set out
state’s role is to ensure that people have equal rights. the rights of the people.
What are Human Rights? The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679(England) – an
Human Rights are
act for the better securing liberty of the subject.
rights inherent to all
human beings regardless The English Bill of Rights of 1689 – set out
of race, sex, nationality, certain basic civil rights.
ethnicity, language and
The French Declaration on the Rights of Man
religion. Human rights
include freedom from and Citizen 1789 – a document of France,
slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and stating that all citizens are equal under the law.
expression and fair trial, the right to life work
The US Constitution and Bill of Rights 1791
and education.
- safeguards the rights of the citizens.
Where do Human Rights come
from? b. The Birth of United Nations
A set of basic rights and freedoms has deep
The idea of human rights emerged stronger
roots in European and American countries.
after the Second World War. This War led to
189

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 189 1/5/2022 9:40:16 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

unimaginable violation of human rights. During regular observance commenced from 1950. It
the times of war, human lives lost its value and is also known as modern International Magna
those affected by war had to struggle till the Carta of Human Rights. Its principles have been
end of their life. Atrocities during the Second incorporated into the Constitutions of most of
World War made clear that previous efforts the (more than 185) nations. UDHR has been
to protect individual rights from government translated into more than 500 languages. It is
violations were inadequate. The rights of man the most translated document in the world.
were prevented or eliminated in several parts
of the world due to several factors. It is proved The Cyrus Cylinder 539 BC (BCE)
that the government of some countries alone
could not protect human rights. People wanted
to ensure that never again would anyone be
unjustly denied life, freedom, food, shelter,
and nationality. These voices played a critical
role in the San Francisco meeting in which the
United Nations Charter was drafted in 1945.
Cyrus the Great, the first king of ancient
At this juncture, an International body, the
Persia, freed the slaves and declared that all
United Nations Organisation (UNO) which was
people had the right to choose their own
established on 24th October 1945 took up the
religion and established racial equality. These
issue. Human Rights is an important theme in
and other decrees were recorded on a baked-
all UN policies and programmes in the areas of
clay cylinder in the Akkadian language in
peace and security, development, humanitarian
cuneiform script. It is translated into all six
assistance and economic and social affairs.
official languages of the United Nations and
c. The Universal Declaration of Human its provisions parallel the first four Articles of
Rights (UDHR) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
One of the greatest achievements of
Human Rights are based on the
United Nations is the creation of human rights
values of
law. To advance this goal, the UN established
a Commission on Human Rights. The a. Dignity – The right to life, the right to
Commission guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s (wife integrity, the prohibition of enforced labour,
of former US president Franklin D Roosevelt) slavery and degrading punishment.
forceful leadership captured the world’s
b. J ustice – The right to fair trial, proportional
attention. Finally, the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the punishment to crime, the right not to be
UN General Assembly in 1948. It is a milestone trialed more than once for the same crime
document in the history of Human rights. The c. E
quality – Equality before law. No
Declaration was proclaimed by the UN General discrimination on race, religion, gender,
Assembly in Paris, France on 10th December
age, ability/disability etc.
1948(General Assembly resolution 217A). In
remembrance of every year 10th December Basic Characteristics of Human
is observed as the Human Rights Day and its Rights
Inherent – they are not granted by any
Preamble of UDHR person or authority.
All men are born free and all are equal in status Fundamental –  they are fundamental rights
and rights. They are endowed with intelligence because without them, the
and conscience and obliged to promote the spirit
life and dignity of man will
of common brotherhood amongst all men.
be meaningless

190 Human Rights and UNO

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 190 1/5/2022 9:40:16 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

Inalienable – they cannot be taken b. Political Rights

away from the individual. Political rights are exercised in the
Indivisible – they can’t be denied even formation and administration of a government.
when other rights have The Civil and Political rights are directly
already been enjoyed . related to modern democracy. They protect
Universal - 
they are universal. They the individual from the misuse of political
power and recognise every individual’s right to
apply irrespective of
participate in their country’s political process.
one’s origin or status.
It includes the freedom of expression, and
They are enforceable
peaceful assembly, the right to take part in the
without national border. government of one’s country, the right to vote,
Interdependent - 
they are interdependent the freedom of speech and obtain information.
because the fulfillment
c. Social Rights
or exercise of one human
right cannot be had It is necessary for an individual to fully
participate in the society. Social rights are those
without the realization
rights necessary for an adequate standard of
of the other.
living including the right to education, health
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on care, food, clothing, shelter and social security.
10th December every year. It is to honour d. Economic Rights
the United Nations General Assembly for
The right to participate in an economy that
declaring the human rights universally.
benefits all and to desirable work. Economic
Kinds of Human Rights rights guarantee every person to have condition
There are 30 Articles incorporated in the under which they are able to meet their needs.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This includes the rights to employment and
fair wage, the reasonable limitation of working
These rights are broadly classified into Five
hours, shelter, education and adequate standard
primary categories. They are as follows
of living, and the right to property.
a. Civil Rights e. Cultural Rights
The term civil rights refers to the basic rights The right to freedom of religion and to speak
afforded by laws of the government to every the language and to practice the cultural life of
person. This is the right to be treated as an equal the community, the right to share in scientific
to anyone else. It includes the rights to life, liberty, advancement, and right to the protection of
freedom from slavery and arbitrary arrest. moral and material interest.
The Difference between Human Rights and Civil Rights
Human Rights Civil Rights
Human rights belong to everyone, everywhere, Civil rights are those rights that one enjoys by
regardless of nationality, sexuality, gender, race,virtue of citizenship in a particular nation or
religion or age. state.
Civil rights vary greatly from country to the
Human rights are considered universal to all
country's or government to government. It is
human beings and universal in all countries.
related to the Constitution.
No nation may rightfully deprive human rights Different nations can grant or deny different
to an individual. civil rights and liberties.
Human rights are basic rights inherent with birth. Civil rights are creation of the society.

Human Rights and UNO 191

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 191 1/5/2022 9:40:16 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

Human Rights Commission and other members. The President appoints

The Economic and Social Council the Chairperson and other members. They are
(ECOSOC), a principal organ of the United appointed for 5 years or till the age of 70 years
Nations was empowered to setup a commission whichever is earlier. NHRC has five divisions.
for the promotion of human rights. National Law Division, Investigation Division, Policy
level and State level human rights commissions Research & Programmes Division, Training
were established to ensure the protection of Division and Administrative Division. The
human rights. National Human Rights Commission is
a. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) responsible for the protection and promotion of
human rights in India.
The National Human
b. State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
Rights Commission
The State Human Rights Commission of
(NHRC) of India was
Tamil Nadu was formed on 17th April, 1997.It
established on 12th
functions at the state level. It consists of three
October, 1993. It is an
members including a Chairperson. A state
independent statutory,
Human Rights Commission can inquire into
and non-constitutional
violation of human rights related to subjects
body. Its headquarter
covered under State list and Concurrent list in
is located in New Delhi. NHRC is a multi-
the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution.
member body which consists of a Chairperson
(not if NHRC already enquiring)

Chairperson
(Retired Chief Justice of India)

One Member One Member Two Members Deemed Members

(who is,or has been (Who is or has been a (from amongst (Chairpersons of the
a judge of Supreme judge of High Court) persons having following National
Court) knowledge or Commissions)
practical in matters
relating to Human
Rights)

National Commission National Commission

for Minorities for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission National Commission
for Scheduled Castes for Women

192 Human Rights and UNO

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 192 1/5/2022 9:40:16 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

Human Rights Organisations

UNO has declared
Many organisations 1978 as International year of women.
around the world have taken 1979 as the International year of children.
their efforts to protect human
rights and for ending human a. Right to Education Act
rights abuses. These Non- Article 21A
governmental organisations provides that the
monitor the actions of governments and pressure state shall provide
them to act according to human right principles. free and compulsory
Some of these organaisations are Amnesty education to all
International, Children’s Defense Fund, Human children aged six to fourteen years.
Rights Watch. b. The Child Labour Act (Prohibition and
Regulation Act 1986)
Indian Constitution Article
It provides no child who has not completed 15
24 - prohibits child labour.
39(f) - provides for children to develop in years of age can be employed
healthy manner. c. The Juvenile Justice Act 2000 (Care and
45 – provides that the state shall endeavor to Protection of Children)
provide early childhood care and education This Act tries to protect children deprived
for all children until they complete the age of
of adequate care and to reform the children by
six years.
adopting child friendly approach.
Child Rights d. POCSO Act 2012
According to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
Article 1 of the United Act regards the best interest of the child as being
Nations Convention on paramount importance in every state.
the Rights of the Child
1989, 'a child means
every human being
below the age of eighteen
years'. The Convention
on the Rights of the Child was proclaimed by
UN on 20th November 1989.
The child is considered as an important 1098 Child Line
national asset. The future of a nation depends This is India’s first 24
hours’ free emergency
on how its children mature and develop.
phone service for
So protection of children from all kinds of children in need of
exploitation and abuses has become the main assistance. Special care
objective of our society. There are laws in India is given for vulnerable children those affected
protecting the rights of the children. by child labour, child marriage and children
affected by any abuse.

Human Rights and UNO 193

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 193 1/5/2022 9:40:18 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

Women Rights 1995 to implement the Beijing Platform for

Women and girl’s rights are human rights. Action. Only when women and girls have full
Women are entitled to the full and equal access to their rights will true equality exist.
enjoyment of all of their human rights and to
be free from all forms of discrimination. This Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
is fundamental to achieve human rights, peace Senior Citizen Act 2007
and security and sustainable development. The This Act makes it legal
Charter of the United Nations guarantees equal obligation for children
rights to both women and men. and heirs to provide
maintenance to senior
The Convention on the Elimination of
citizens and parents. Protection and support
All Forms of Discrimination against Women
during old age are envisaged as human rights.
(CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General
Assembly, is described as an International bill of
Conclusion
rights for women.
In 1995 the Fourth World Conference of Human rights are about equality and fairness
Women, held in Beijing, developed a Platform for for everyone and it ensures that everyone is
Action to recognise women’s rights and improve treated with dignity and respect. The protection
women’s livelihood worldwide, and follow-up of human right is everyone’s responsibility. An
meetings monitored progress towards meeting understanding and respect for human rights
these goals. The United Nations Development provides the foundation for peace, harmony,
Fund for Women (UNIFEM), has worked since security and freedom in our community.

Legislations Provisions
The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act 1856 Legalised widow remarriage.
The Hindu Marriage Act 1955 States that the marriageable age for women is 21.
Ensures the right to women to inherit their
The Hindu Succession Act 1956
parental property.
Provides drastic punishments for those
The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961
ill-treating the bride in the name of dowry.
The Eve Teasing Act 1997 Gives relief to women.
Prohibits the indecent representation of women
Indecent Representation Act 1999
in magazine, newspapers etc.
The Factory Act 1948,
The Plantation Labour Act 1951, The Mines Act 1952 Protects the women workers.
The Maternity benefit Act 1961
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Protects women from harassment by husband
Act 2005 and family members.

Recap
■ Human rights are freedoms that all human beings are entitled to enjoy. They include civil, political,
economic, social and cultural rights.
■ Human rights are inherent, inalienable, interdependent and indivisible.
■ One of the greatest achievements of the United Nations is the creation of comprehensive body of
human rights law.
■ The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948.

194 Human Rights and UNO

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 194 1/5/2022 9:40:18 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

■ Human rights are based on dignity, justice and equality.

■ National level and State Level Human Rights Commissions were established to ensure the
protection of human rights.
■ The protection of human rights is everyone’s responsibility.

GLOSSARY
Nationality People having common origin தேசிய இனம்
humanitarian seeking to promote human welfare மனிதாபிமானம்
brotherhood state of being brothers சக�ோதரத்துவம்
fair trial justify with legal நியாயமான விசாரணை
harmony agreement of opinions இசைவு
heir a person legally entitled to the property வாரிசு/வழித்தோன்றல்

Evaluation

I 
Choose the correct
answer 6. Which one is known as modern International
Magna Carta of Human rights?
1. After the Second World War
___________ has taken a) UDHRC b) NHRC
several measures to protect c) SHRC d) International year for women
the human rights. 7. Who can be appointed as the chairperson of
a) UNO the National Human Rights Commission?
b) Supreme Court a) Retired judge of high court
c) International Court of Justice b) Any retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
d) none c) Any person appointed by the president.
2. 
In 1995 women from all over the world d) Retired Chief Judge of any court.
gathered at ________. 8. 
How many articles does the Universal
a) Beijing b) New York Declaration of Human Rights contain?
c) Delhi d) none a) 20 b) 30 c) 40 d) 50
3. 
The National Human Rights Commission 9. What is the tenure of the Chairperson of the
was constituted in ___________. National Human Rights Commission?
a) 1990 b) 1993 c) 1978 d) 1979 a) 5 years or upto 62 years of age
4. The UNO declared 1979 as the International b) 5 years or upto 65 years of age
year of _________. c) 6 years or upto 65 years of age
a) Girl Child b) Children d) 5 years or upto 70 years of age
c) women d) none 10. Where is the headquarters of the National
5. When is Human Rights Day observed? Human Rights Commission?
a) 9th December b) 10th December a) New Delhi b) Mumbai
c) 11th December d) 12th December c) Ahmedabad d) Kolkata
Human Rights and UNO 195

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 195 1/5/2022 9:40:18 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

II Fill in the blanks 2. Which of the following statement is not correct

1. Each individual has _________to lead a about the National Human Rights Commission?
dignified life. a) It was established in 1993.
2. Human Rights are ____________rights. b) In the cases of human rights violation, the
3. The State Human Rights commission was Commission has no rights to punish the
formed on___________. culprit.
4. Article 24 of Indian Constitution prohibits
_____________. c) The Chairperson and members are of this
5. United Nations Organisation was established Commission are appointed by the Supreme
in the year____________. Court of India.
III Match the following d) 
The Commission sends its annual report
to the Central Government and State
1. Eleanor Roosevelt - world’s first charter
Governments.
of human rights
3. Assertion : Human Rights day is observed on
2. The Cyrus Cylinder - 1997
10th December
3. Eve Teasing Act - freedom from slavery
Reason : It commemorates Eleanor Roosevel’s
4. Child help line - Human Rights
birthday.
Commission
a) A is correct but R does not explain A
5. Civil right - right to vote
6. Political right - 1098 b) A is correct but R explains A
c) A and R are correct
IV State true or false
1. Human rights and civil rights are the same. d) A and R are Wrong
2. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the 4. Consider the following statements
Citizen was proclaimed in India. 1. The State Human Rights commission is a
3. The Human Right Act of 1993 provides multi-member body.
the creation of National Human Rights 2. 
The State Human Rights Commission
Commission. consists of a chairperson and three members.
4. National Human Rights Commission has
Which of the statements given above is /are
empowered to give punishment to the
correct?
victims.
a) 1 only
5. Human Rights Commission was empowered
to setup commission for the promotion of b) 2 only
Human rights at National and State level. c) Both 1 and 2
V 
Consider the following d) None
statements and tick (✓) the VI A
 nswer the following in one or
appropriate answer two sentences
1. Find the wrong statement 1. What are Human Rights?
a) National Human Rights Commission is a
2. Bring out the importance of UDHR.
statutory body.
b) National Human Rights Commission is a 3.  hat does Article 45 of Indian Constitution
W
constitutional body. provide?
c) National Human Rights Commission is an
independent body. 4. Write about Right to Education Act.
d) National Human Rights Commission is a 5. State any three legislations passed to
multilateral institution. safeguard the welfare of women.
196 Human Rights and UNO

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 196 1/5/2022 9:40:18 PM

 www.tntextbooks.in

6. Mention some of the political rights.

REFERENCE BOOKS
7. Name the five primary categories of Human
Rights.
1. NCERT - India and the World, 2004
VII Answer the following in detail  run Ray., National Human Rights
2. A
1. Distinguish between Human rights and Civil Commissionof India, Khama Publisher, New
rights. Delhi,2004
2. Describe any five basic characteristics of 3. Parikshith K. Naik., and Mehrabudin
Human rights. wakman., Human Rights & International
3.  What are the measures taken by the Organisations, Trinity Publication, 2013
government to protect the children?
INTERNET RESOURCES
VIII HOTs
„„ www.shrc.tn.gov.in
1.  o whom does the Universal Declaration
T
„„ www.nhrc.nic.in
of Human Rights apply? Why is it
„„ www.un.org
important to you?
IX Project and Activity
1. M
 ake a list of 10 rights that you enjoy, and
the responsibilities that you have.

ICT CORNER
Human Rights and UNO

Through this activity

you will learn about
pictorial Time Line
events of United Nations
organisation and India.

Step - 1 Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or) Scan the QR Code.
Step - 2 Scroll down and Click on ‘IN FOCUS’
Step - 3 Select any year from the bottom time line (Ex.1948) and select the ‘box’ to
learn more about the UNO and India.

Web URL: https://in.one.un.org/

*Pictures are indicative only
*If browser requires, allow Flash Player or Java Script to load the page

Human Rights and UNO 197

UNIT 4_Civics.indd 197 1/5/2022 9:40:19 PM