Human Rights

Class 9 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 3

Class 9 Unit 3 Civics

UNIT 3 Human Rights

Learning Objectives

To know about the international efforts for protecting human rights

To understand the basic human rights ensured in the Indian Constitution

To understand about the functions of institutions and issues involved in human rights

To know about the types of human rights

Introduction

The lesson travels through the history of organisations for human rights. The rights ensured by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being highlighted. Fundamental rights are enshrined in the Indian Constitution and fundamental duties incorporated in the Constitution along with the introduction to National and State Human Rights Commissions and their functions are explained. Extended rights like child rights, SC and ST rights, women rights, labour rights, etc., are also discussed.

On 7th June 1893, while a person was on his way to Pretoria, in South Africa a white man objected the person's presence of a non -white man in a first class carriage and the person was ordered to move to a van compartment at the end of the train. The man who had the first-class ticket refused to leave and was thrown off the train at Pietermaritzburg. Shivering in the winter night in the waiting room of the station changed the course of his life. He took up the fight against racial oppression. The spirit for active non-violence started from that moment. Mahatma Gandhi made the momentous decision to stay on in South Africa and fight racial discrimination against the Indians. Out of that struggle emerged his unique way of protest nonviolent Satyagraha.

As a human being, Gandhi had all the rights to travel in the first class compartment. But he was discriminated because of his skin colour. Discrimination is not only based on colour, it is on the basis of race, gender, place of birth, caste, religion and so on. Due to these discriminations, people are prohibited from enjoying their basic human rights.

Inscription at the railway station

3.1 What are Human Rights?

The U.N.O defines Human rights as "The right inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Everyone is entitled to these rights without discrimination."

Human Rights day is celebrated every year on 10th December. The history of human rights has roots in all the great events of the world and it has sustained the struggle for freedom and equality everywhere.

The United Nations Organisation (U.N.O) was formed on 24th October 1945 after the Second World War. It proposed to deal with the consequences of war and to prevent such happenings in the future. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has played a crucial role in promoting human rights.

Do You Know?

October 24 is UNO day

End of Apartheid

Mandela raises his fist soon after his release from jail after 27 years

Apartheid was the highest form of discrimination that existed in South Africa. Places of residence were determined by racial classification. It was the governing policy in the country by the minority whites over the majority non-whites. The people of South Africa protested against racial discrimination. Nelson Mandela raised his voice against apartheid. When he organised defiant campaigns against the government, he was imprisoned. Amid growing domestic and international pressure and with the fear of a racial civil war, President F. W. de Klerk released him in 1990. The efforts taken by Mandela and de Klerk put an end to apartheid. In 1994, a multiracial general election was held, in which Mandela led the African National Congress to victory and became President.

3.2 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It was drafted by the representatives with different legal and cultural back grounds from all regions of the world. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10th December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217A) as a common standard of achievement of all people and all nations. The first time it sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected and the UDHR has been translated into many languages. There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and it guarantees freedom of expression as well as civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. These rights apply to all people, irrespective of their race, gender and nationality, as all people are born free and equal.

3.2.1: Social, Economic and Cultural Rights:

Social, economic and cultural rights are integral part of the human rights law that was developed due to the aftermath of World War (2). Social rights are necessary for full participation in the society. Economic rights guarantee every person to have conditions under which they are able to meet their needs. They are a part of a range of legal principles through which economic equality and freedom are preserved in a State. Cultural rights are human rights that aim at assuring the enjoyment of culture and its components in conditions of equality, human dignity and non-discrimination.

3.2.2 Civil and Political Rights:

Civil and political rights protect an individual's freedom from infringement by the government, social organizations and private individuals. These rights ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the society and state. The term 'Civil rights' refers to the basic rights afforded by laws of the government, to every person regardless of race, nationality, colour , gender, age, religion etc., Political rights exercised in the formation and administration of a government. They are given to the citizens by law. These rights give power to the citizens to participate either directly or indirectly in the administration.

3.3 Fundamental Rights in India

Fundamental rights are required for the all round development of a human being. They make the life of people meaningful by giving them rights like speech and to live in an area of their choice.

The fundamental rights are:

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights for minorities
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

3.3.1 Right to Equality:

It refers to equality before law and equal protection of law. Prohibition or discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, races, gender or place of birth is offensive and one can seek justice from court.

3.3.2. Right to Freedom

Six different types of freedom are mentioned in the Constitution. They are:

• a. Freedom of speech and expression.
• b. Freedom to assemble peacefully without arms.
• c. Freedom to form associations and unions.
• d. Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India.
• e. Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
• f. Freedom to practice any profession and carry on any occupation, trade or business.

3.3.3 Right against Exploitation:

It is against the law to employ children below 14 years of age in mines, factories or other occupations. Neither contractor nor an employer can force a worker to do a job against their will

3.3.4 Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion:

This right gives the citizens freedom to follow and practice a religion of their choice. All citizens have the freedom of conscience or ideas. The citizens also have the freedom to follow their own ways for practicing any religion

3.3.5 Cultural and Educational Rights:

The Constitution gives us the right to preserve, protect and promote culture. We have the right to open schools, associations and societies to preserve and promote our tradition and culture. Similarly a group of people may open a school for imparting religious education to children. The government also promotes such activities by giving grants. However, such institutions cannot deny admission to anyone based on their caste, colour, creed or even religion.

Differences Between Human Rights and Fundamental Rights

Human Rights	Fundamental Rights
The rights that a human being deserves to survive with respect and freedoms	The elemental rights of the citizens of a country, which are listed in the constitution and enforceable under the law is known as fundamental rights.
Human rights include those rights which are basic to a real life and are absolute, i.e. it cannot be taken away	Fundamental rights includes only those rights which are basic to a normal life
Human rights are recognised at international level.	Fundamental rights are guaranteed under the constitution of the country.
Human rights as declared by the UN, suggest minimum standards of rights to be adopted by Government and these serve more or less like Directive Principles.	WRIT is a written order from the court or other legal authority ordering to do an act or not to do it.

3.3.6 Right to Constitutional Remedies

Fundamental Rights are guaranteed by the Constitution. By this right, a person can adopt Constitutional means and approach a court if he is denied the Fundamental Rights. The court then issues orders which are called 'Writs' to the government to restore the rights to the citizen. The Constitutional Remedies put to right anything which may be wrong in terms of the Constitution. This right therefore protects and safeguards all other rights. PreethikaYashini won her right of employment by approaching the court according to the Right to Constitutional remedies.

3.4 Fundamental Duties

These are in the form of duties and responsibilities of citizens. 'The original Constitution which came into force with effect from 26th January, 1950 did not contain Fundamental Duties. These were incorporated in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. The Constitution states eleven Fundamental Duties as given below:

1. Respect for the Constitution and its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem
2. To follow and cherish the noble ideals which inspired our National Struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. To promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities, to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and have compassion on living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure from violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievements.
11. To provide opportunities for education by the parent and guardian to their child or ward upto the age of 14 years.

Do You Know?

Maintenance and welfare of parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a legislation passed in 2007 by the Government of India. This Act is a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens and parents.

3.5 National Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission is an autonomous body constituted on 12th October 1993 under the protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It consists of a chairman and few other members. 3 from judiciary and 4 from other department NHRC is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in India defined by the Act as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the international covenants the office is located in New Delhi

Functions of NHRC

• To inquire into the violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a public servant
• To intervene in court proceedings relating to human rights
• To undertake and promote research in the field of human rights
• To engage in human rights education among various sections of society
• To encourage the effects of NGOs and institutions working in the field of human rights.

3.6 State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)

Every state in India has a State Human Rights Commission established in accordance with the power conferred on the state under section 21 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The protection and promotion of human rights constitute the principal concern of the Commission. Moreover, the procedures adopted by the Commission to conduct its proceedings, the suo motu actions taken on complaints regardless of the sources received and the transparency of the proceedings of the SHRC add strength to its functioning in a state. The office is the Human Rights is located in Chennai.

Functions of SHRC

The SHRC shall enquire into violation of human rights in respect of matters specified in the state and concurrent lists. Its objectives and duties are the same as NHRC, but confined only to the state. It has a chairman and two members. It has the power of a civil court and can take cognizance of cases if received or in suo motu. It can also recommend compensation to victims.

3.6.1 Child Rights

Apart from the fundamental rights described by the Constitution, we have to ensure certain other rights. A child is a person who has not completed the age of 18 years i.e. a minor as per UNO. This principle is exhibited in Articles 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Based on these principles, the declaration of the Rights of the child was accepted and adopted in the UN General Assembly on 20th November, 1989.

• Right to life
• Right to family environment
• Right to Education
• Right to benefit from Social security
• Right against sexual exploitation
• Right against sale or trafficking
• Right against other forms of exploitation like Child labour.

Right to life

A child has the right to survive even before its birth. The right to survival also includes the right to be born, the right to basic needs of food, shelter and clothing and a dignified living.

Right to Family Environment

A child has the right to live a normal childhood in a family environment. Children who have been left destitute, abandoned or orphaned also have the right to live. These children can be given for adoption to caring families.

Right to benefit from Social security

Children should get financial support from the country when their parents or guardians are unable to provide them with a good standard of living by themselves, due to any illness, disability or old age.

Right to Education

Right to Education Act is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 2009 for free and compulsory education for children from 6 to 14 years of age as under Article 21A of the Constitution.

Malala - Nobel Peace prize laureate says

"I loved school. But everything changed when the fundamentalist took control of our town in Swat Valley. They said girls could no longer go to school. I spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and our right to learn. And this made me a target. In October 2012, on my way home from school, a masked gunman boarded my school bus and asked, "Who is Malala?" He shot me on the left side of my head. I woke up 10 days later in a hospital in Birmingham, England. After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, I joined my family in our new home in the U.K. I determined to continue my fight until every girl could go to school. Every day I fight to ensure all girls receive 12 years of free, safe, quality education. With more than 130 million girls out of school today, there is more work to be done. I hope you will join my fight for education and equality. Together, we can create a world where all girls can learn and lead.

If you were Malala, what would you have done?

Is Malala's fight necessary?

Are girl children treated and given education equally?

The Right of children to free and compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, means that every child has a right to formal Elementary Education. This right of children provides free and compulsory education till the completion of elementary education in a neighbourhood school. The child need not pay any kind of fee for completing elementary education.

Right against sale or trafficking of children

Children should be treated as individuals with fundamental human rights. Children are vulnerable. There are root causes such as poverty, gender discrimination, broken families etc., behind the sale or trafficking of children.

Do You Know?

The Kavalan SOS App is launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu for public use during emergencies. Anyone in a critical situation, not only women, can easily and directly access the State Police Control Room using this App.

Children are subjected to sale or trafficking for various reasons – economic exploitation, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, drug trafficking and child labour.

Have you heard about child trafficking? Conduct a debate on this topic in your class.

Right against sexual exploitation

The state should protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities physically or mentally.

POCSO Act - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act

The Protection of Children from Sexual Off ences Act, 2012 regards the best interest of the child as being of paramount importance at every stage.

Salient features of POCSO Act

• The Act defi nes a child as any person below eighteen years of age, to ensure the healthy, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child.
• When the abuse is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority vis-à-vis the child, like a family member, neighbours or any other acquaintances.
• The statement of the child is to be recorded exactly as the child narrates.
• A child not to be called repeatedly to testify.
• An ordinance providing the death penalty for rapists of girls below 12 years of age and other stringent penal provisions for rape has been promulgated in April 2018.
• The Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 2018, amended the Indian Penal Code.
• Another salient feature of this amendment is that the fine imposed shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the victim.

Do You Know?

1098 Childline is India's first 24 hours free emergency phone service for children in need of assistance. Special care is given for vulnerable children like those affected by child labour, child marriage and children affected by any abuse.

Right against other forms of exploitation like Child labour

Children are often employed in several industries. These children are deprived of their childhood, health and education. This will lead to a life of poverty and want. These children are made to work in glass, match-box, lock-making factories, rag-picking, carpet – making industry, beedi - rolling, mining, stone quarrying, brick kilns and tea gardens etc. Work is mostly gender – specific, with girls performing more homes – based work, while boys are employed as waged labour. Since these children work in agricultural fields, restaurants, motor repair workshops and home – based industries, elimination of child labour remains a challenge.

Do You Know?

Kailash Satyarthi is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, and many other child rights organisations. More than 86,000 children in India have been liberated by him and his team members from child labour, slavery and traffi cking. An 80,000 km long Global March against Child Labour was led by Kailash in 1998 which turned the world's attention towards the issue of Child labour. He received Nobel Prize for peace in the year 2014.

The findings of international survey re- veals that children with disabilities are 3.4 percent more sexually abused than normal children.

Child Rights in the Indian Constitution

Article 24 – No child below the age of 14 must be employed in hazardous employment.

Article 45 – Free and compulsory education for all children until they attain the age of 14 years.

Children are the foundation of any nation. When girls get married early, they lose many privileges like childhood happiness, availing education and a healthy life. The society in turn gets affected by child marriage. Thus child marriage should be avoided at any cost.

3.6.2 Women Rights

The National Commission for Women (NCW) is constituted in India to review the Constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommends remedial measures and advises the government on all matters of policy affecting the welfare and development of women in the country.

In modern India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors. In Tamil Nadu, ancestral property rights were given to women through Hindu Succession (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 1989. The Central Government amended the Hindu Succession Act in 2005. By this amendment, women are now given equal shares in inheritance of the undivided property

Women's rights under the Constitution of India mainly include equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination; additionally, India has various statutes governing the rights of women.

On 1924 at Vaikkam ub kerala Periyar E.V. Ramasamy agitate for temple entry for dalits . In 1925 he started the self respect movement.

Women Labourers' Welfare and Ambedkar

Dr B.R. Ambedkar framed many laws for women workers in India such as the 'Mines Maternity Benefit Act', 'Women Labour Welfare Fund', 'Women and Child Labour Protection Act', 'Maternity Benefit for Women Labour', and 'Restoration of Ban on Employment of Women on Underground Work in Coal Mines'.

Reservations

The state of Tamil Nadu provides 69 percent of reservation to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Most Backward Classes / Denotified Communities and Backward Classes in public employment and in educational institutions. Backward class Muslims are granted separate reservation. The following table gives us a very clear picture of the percentage of reservation for various communities by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Communities	Reservation in ( percent )
Backward Classes	26.5
Backward Class Muslims	3.5
Most Backward Classes/Denotified Communities	20
Scheduled Castes	18
Scheduled Tribes	1
Total	69

Under each reserved category and in General category 30 percent is reserved for women and 4 percent is reserved for differently abled persons. Special reservation to Arunthathiyars has been granted by preferential allotment of seats with in the seats reserved for Scheduled castes. For persons studied in Tamil medium 20 percent seats are offered under each category on priority basis. In Tamil Nadu Transgender has been classified under Most Backward Classes.

3.6.3 Right to Information Act (RTI)

The Right to Information Act is a revolutionary act that aims to promote transparency in the government institutions in India. This act was enacted in October 2005. A common man can demand any government organization to provide information. The information must be provided within thirty days. If not, a fee will be collected as penalty from the concerned official.

RTI Activists

Aruna Roy

Nikil Dev

It is one of the most powerful laws of the country. This act is people friendly; even an illiterate person can ask any Public Information Officer to write it down for him. All government agencies like Municipal Corporations, Government departments, Government Schools, Road Authorities, etc., come under this Act. Through RTI one can get even copies of government documents such as records, reports, papers, etc., Personal information of individuals and organisations related to the country's defence and intelligence, such as BSF, CRPF, Intelligence Bureau are exempted from the RTI.

Sign the Application form with your full name and address along with the date and send it through a registered post to the office of the concerned authority. If a reply is not received within 30 days, an appeal can be filed with the Appellate Authority.

3.6.4 Labour Rights

The Constitution ensures right to equality, equality of opportunity in public employment, right to form associations and unions, right to livelihood, prohibits trafficking, forced labour and child labour. Article 39(d) ensures equal wages to male and female workers for equal work.

"The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened" said John F. Kennedy. Civilized nations of the world insist on equality. Nations pay more attention on human rights to ensure equality. This helps in maintaining peace, harmony and development of the country.

ACTIVITY

List out various jobs in the format given below and fill in the amount of wages for male and female employees.

Serial Number	Job / Occupation	Wages of male employee	Wages of female employee
1
2
3
4
5

Contribution of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar

Dr.B.R. Ambedkar's contribution to labourers.

• Reduction in Factory Working Hours (8 hours a day)
• Compulsory Recognition of Trade Unions
• Employment Exchange in India
• Employees State Insurance (ESI)
• Minimum Wages for labourers
• Coal and Mica Mines Provident Fund

Do You Know?

It is a great victory for female workers who stand all the time more or less 12-14 hours per day while they are working in shops and commercial malls Female workers who are working in shops and commercial malls are not allowed to sit or even lean on the wall. They were allowed only 5 minutes of break two times a day to take rest. There was a strong voice against this inhuman practice among women workers for a long time. Considering this, the Government of Kerala has decided to redress by amending the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act in July 2018.

Recap

• Discrimination is the partial treatment of people.
• UNO's definition of human rights.
• History of human rights has its roots from the aftermath of second world war.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Indian Constitution ensures six fundamental rights and eleven duties of a citizen.
• Formation and functions of National and State Human Rights Commissions.
• Extended rights such as child rights, SC and ST rights, women rights, Right to Information Act (RTI) and labor laws.

EXERCISE

Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer

1. 'Apartheid' was followed by ____

a) South Sudan b) South Africa c) Nigeria d) Egypt

2. ____ right exercises in the formation and administration of a government.

a) Social b) Economic c) Political d) Cultural

3. A 10 year old boy is working in a shop. Which right can you use to recover him?

a) Right to equality b) Right to freedom c) Right against child labour exploitation d) Right to freedom of Religion

4. What is the time limit to get the information from RTI Act 2005?

a) 20 days b) 25 days c) 30 days d) 35 days

5. Which of the following statements are true?
(1). The State Human Rights commission was established in 1993.
(2). It has the power of a civil court.
(3). It's power extend beyond the state.
(4). It can also recommend compensation to victims.

a) 1 and 2 are true b) 1 and 3 are true c) 1, 2 and 3 are true d) 2 , 3 and 4 are true

6. Consider the following statements.
Assertions (A): Rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin.
Reason (R): We have a right to freedom of religions. We have to promote harmony and the spirit of the people of other religions.

a) Both A and R are correct and R explains A b) Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A c) A is correct but R is false d) A is false but R is correct

7. According to the UNO a child is a person who has not completed the age of ____ years.

a) 12 b) 14 c) 16 d) 18

8. Kailash Satyarthi and Malala have been awarded Nobel Prize for ____.

a) Literature b) Peace c) Physics d) Economics Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks

1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Contains articles.

2. The fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Constitution by Amendment Act.

3. The National Human Rights commission was established on .

4. Indian state to implement women ancestral property Act in 1989 was .

Exercise 3. Match the following

1. Right to Vote
2. Right to form union
3. Right to preserve tradition
4. The Hindu Succession Act
5. Child labour

Options: Cultural Rights, Right against exploitation, Political Rights, Right to freedom, 2005

Exercise 4. Give short answers

1. What is Human Right?

2. What are the fundamental rights?

3. What are the Child Rights defined by the UNO?

4. Write a short note on the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

5. Define: POCSO

6. Why do children need special attention?

7. What are the contributions to labourers by B.R. Ambedkar?

8. 'All are equal before law'. But we have enacted a separate law for women – Justify

9. Write about the Right against exploitation.

10. Differentiate: Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.

Exercise 5. Answer in detail

1. Write a paragraph about UDHR.

2. What are fundamental duties? How would you follow these in your school premises?

3. How does the National Human Rights Commission protect our rights?

4. What are the benefits for workers provided by labour law?

5. How do you enjoy the fundamental rights in your life?

Exercise 6. Project and Activity

1. How do you protect yourself from child abuse / sexual exploitation and trafficking?

2. Write an article titled "My country, My Rights".

REFERENCE BOOKS

1. The constitution of India Edition: 2009, Tamil Nadu Text Book Society, India

INTERNET RESOURCES

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2018/ country-chapters /india

https://amnesty.org.in › About Section Pages

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

1. Choose the Correct Answer

1. 'Apartheid' was followed by ____

a) South Sudan b) South Africa c) Nigeria d) Egypt

Answer: b) South Africa

Explanation: Apartheid was the highest form of discrimination that existed in South Africa. It was the governing policy in the country by the minority whites over the majority non-whites.

2. ____ right exercises in the formation and administration of a government.

a) Social b) Economic c) Political d) Cultural

Answer: c) Political

Explanation: Political rights are exercised in the formation and administration of a government. They are given to the citizens by law and give power to participate directly or indirectly in the administration.

3. A 10 year old boy is working in a shop. Which right can you use to recover him?

a) Right to equality b) Right to freedom c) Right against child labour exploitation d) Right to freedom of Religion

Answer: c) Right against child labour exploitation

Explanation: It is against the law to employ children below 14 years of age in mines, factories or other occupations according to the Right against Exploitation.

4. What is the time limit to get the information from RTI Act 2005?

a) 20 days b) 25 days c) 30 days d) 35 days

Answer: c) 30 days

Explanation: According to the Right to Information Act, the information must be provided within thirty days. If not, a fee will be collected as penalty from the concerned official.

5. Which of the following statements are true?
(1). The State Human Rights commission was established in 1993.
(2). It has the power of a civil court.
(3). It's power extend beyond the state.
(4). It can also recommend compensation to victims.

a) 1 and 2 are true b) 1 and 3 are true c) 1, 2 and 3 are true d) 2, 3 and 4 are true

Answer: a) 1 and 2 are true

Explanation: Every state in India has a State Human Rights Commission established in accordance with the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It has the power of a civil court but is confined only to the state, not beyond it.

6. Consider the following statements.
Assertion (A): Rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin.
Reason (R): We have a right to freedom of religions. We have to promote harmony and the spirit of the people of other religions.

a) Both A and R are correct and R explains A b) Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A c) A is correct but R is false d) A is false but R is correct

Answer: a) Both A and R are correct and R explains A

Explanation: Rights come with corresponding duties. The fundamental duty to promote harmony among people of different religions complements the fundamental right to freedom of religion.

7. According to the UNO a child is a person who has not completed the age of ____ years.

a) 12 b) 14 c) 16 d) 18

Answer: d) 18

Explanation: A child is a person who has not completed the age of 18 years i.e. a minor as per UNO.

8. Kailash Satyarthi and Malala have been awarded Nobel Prize for ____.

a) Literature b) Peace c) Physics d) Economics

Answer: b) Peace

Explanation: Kailash Satyarthi received Nobel Prize for peace in the year 2014, and Malala is a Nobel Peace prize laureate for her fight for education rights.

2. Fill in the Blanks

1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Contains ____ articles.

Answer: 30

2. The fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Constitution by ____ Amendment Act.

Answer: 42nd

3. The National Human Rights commission was established on ____.

Answer: 12th October 1993

4. Indian state to implement women ancestral property Act in 1989 was ____.

Answer: Tamil Nadu

3. Match the Following

3. Match the Following

1. Right to Vote	- Cultural Rights
2. Right to form union	- Right against exploitation
3. Right to preserve tradition	- Political Rights
4. The Hindu Succession Act	- Right to freedom
5. Child labour	- 2005

Answers: 1-Political Rights, 2-Right to freedom, 3-Cultural Rights, 4-2005, 5-Right against exploitation

4. Give Short Answers

1. What is Human Right?

Answer: The U.N.O defines Human rights as "The right inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Everyone is entitled to these rights without discrimination."

2. What are the fundamental rights?

Answer: The fundamental rights are: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights for minorities, and Right to Constitutional Remedies. They are required for the all round development of a human being.

3. What are the Child Rights defined by the UNO?

Answer: Child Rights defined by UNO include Right to life, Right to family environment, Right to Education, Right to benefit from Social security, Right against sexual exploitation, Right against sale or trafficking, and Right against other forms of exploitation like Child labour.

4. Write a short note on the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

Answer: By this right, a person can adopt Constitutional means and approach a court if denied Fundamental Rights. The court issues orders called 'Writs' to the government to restore rights. Constitutional Remedies protect and safeguard all other rights.

5. Define: POCSO

Answer: POCSO Act - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 regards the best interest of the child as being of paramount importance at every stage. It defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age to ensure healthy development.

6. Why do children need special attention?

Answer: Children are vulnerable and should be treated as individuals with fundamental human rights. There are root causes such as poverty, gender discrimination, broken families behind exploitation of children. Children are subjected to trafficking for economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and child labour.

7. What are the contributions to labourers by B.R. Ambedkar?

Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions include: Reduction in Factory Working Hours (8 hours a day), Compulsory Recognition of Trade Unions, Employment Exchange in India, Employees State Insurance (ESI), Minimum Wages for labourers, and Coal and Mica Mines Provident Fund.

8. 'All are equal before law'. But we have enacted a separate law for women – Justify

Answer: Although all are equal before law, women face historical discrimination and need special protection. The National Commission for Women reviews Constitutional safeguards for women and recommends remedial measures. Special laws ensure women's welfare and development in the country.

9. Write about the Right against exploitation.

Answer: Right against Exploitation prohibits employing children below 14 years of age in mines, factories or other occupations. Neither contractor nor employer can force a worker to do a job against their will. This right protects people from forced labour and trafficking.

10. Differentiate: Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.

Answer: Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings for survival with respect and freedoms, recognized internationally. Fundamental Rights are elemental rights of citizens listed in the constitution and enforceable under law. Human rights are absolute while fundamental rights are basic to normal life and guaranteed by the constitution.

5. Answer in Detail

1. Write a paragraph about UDHR.

Answer: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10th December 1948 as a common standard of achievement for all people and nations. There are 30 articles in the UDHR and it guarantees freedom of expression as well as civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. These rights apply to all people, irrespective of their race, gender and nationality, as all people are born free and equal.

2. What are fundamental duties? How would you follow these in your school premises?

Answer: Fundamental duties are duties and responsibilities of citizens incorporated in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. There are eleven fundamental duties including respect for Constitution, National Flag and Anthem, following ideals of freedom struggle, upholding sovereignty and integrity, defending the country, promoting harmony, preserving culture, protecting environment, developing scientific temper, safeguarding public property, and providing education to children. In school, these can be followed by respecting the flag during assembly, maintaining unity among students, protecting school property, and helping in environmental conservation.

3. How does the National Human Rights Commission protect our rights?

Answer: The National Human Rights Commission protects rights by inquiring into violation of human rights or negligence in prevention by public servants. It intervenes in court proceedings relating to human rights and undertakes research in the field of human rights. The NHRC engages in human rights education among various sections of society and encourages the efforts of NGOs and institutions working in human rights. It is an autonomous body constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 with a chairman and members from judiciary and other departments.

4. What are the benefits for workers provided by labour law?

Answer: Labour laws provide numerous benefits including the right to equality and equality of opportunity in public employment. Workers have the right to form associations and unions and right to livelihood. The Constitution prohibits trafficking, forced labour and child labour. Article 39(d) ensures equal wages to male and female workers for equal work. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions include 8-hour working day, compulsory recognition of trade unions, employment exchanges, Employees State Insurance (ESI), minimum wages, and provident fund for coal and mica mines workers.

5. How do you enjoy the fundamental rights in your life?

Answer: Fundamental rights make life meaningful by providing various freedoms and protections. Right to Equality ensures equal treatment regardless of religion, caste, race, gender or place of birth. Right to Freedom includes freedom of speech, assembly, forming associations, movement, and choice of profession. Right against Exploitation protects from forced labour and child labour. Right to Freedom of Religion allows following any religion of choice. Cultural and Educational Rights help preserve and promote culture and traditions. Right to Constitutional Remedies provides legal means to protect all these rights through courts when violated.

📝 Summary

1. Human rights are defined by the U.N.O as "The right inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status" and Human Rights day is celebrated every year on 10th December.
2. The United Nations Organisation (U.N.O) was formed on 24th October 1945 after the Second World War to deal with the consequences of war and prevent such happenings in the future.
3. Mahatma Gandhi's experience of racial discrimination on a train to Pretoria in South Africa on 7th June 1893 led him to fight against racial oppression and develop his unique way of protest - nonviolent Satyagraha.
4. Apartheid was the highest form of discrimination in South Africa where places of residence were determined by racial classification, and it was ended through the efforts of Nelson Mandela and President F. W. de Klerk, leading to Mandela becoming President in 1994.
5. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10th December 1948.