The significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, for the protection of human dignity and basic freedom, was highlighted by Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, former Acting Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, in a statement on the occasion of Universal Human Rights Day. He said that the Declaration, which the United Nations General Assembly signed on 10th December 1948, gave birth to a commitment towards human rights at the world level, which has to be respected by all member nations without any discrimination based on race, religion, language, gender, or nationality.
Mani pointed out that the Declaration was a “pioneering crusade” for codification of human rights worldwide, with its 30 articles covering basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Identifying several pivotal provisions of the declaration, he explained that all people have a right to life, liberty, and security, along with equality before law and protection from torture or arbitrary detention, and these rights are universal and without discrimination.
He further clarified that India’s Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, apart from creating human rights commissions, demonstrates the constitutional and international commitments of this country. Mani asserted that such a Commission is a judicial body with powers to inquire into denials and make binding recommendations, thus underscoring the fact that it is no toothless body. He cited Articles 51 and 253 of the Constitution and stated that India is under an obligation to fulfill its commitments undertaken through international treaties and covenants and to enact laws to implement the citizens’ rights in keeping with those commitments.
Mani clarified that human rights under Section 2(d) of the Human Rights Act enlarge the meaning of the fundamental rights enshrined under the Constitution and include Articles 14, 19, 20, 21, and 22. He insisted that the Human Rights Act can indeed be enacted in respect of enforcement of violations and granting remedies, and it is an enforceable right in favor of the citizens.