Human Rights

A mini guide by Abdullah Safeer

Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of
their nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. They are universal, inalienable, and
indivisible, and apply to all individuals everywhere in the world, always.

In a global context, human rights can be defined as a

set of norms and standards that are recognized and
protected by international law, as well as by national
laws and policies. They include civil and political
rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and
assembly, and the right to a fair trial and political
participation. They also encompass economic,
social, and cultural rights, such as the right to
education, healthcare, and an adequate standard of
living.

Human rights are protected through a range of

mechanisms, including national laws, international
treaties and conventions, and international human rights bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights
Council and its various treaty bodies.

It is important to note that while the concept of human rights is universal, the application of human rights
principles can vary in different cultural, social, and political contexts. Therefore, it is essential to engage in
respectful and constructive dialogue with different cultures and communities, and to promote and respect
human rights in a manner that is sensitive to local conditions and needs.

History:
The concept of human rights can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Code of Hammurabi
in Babylon in 1754 BCE, which set out rules for fair treatment of individuals. However, it was not until the
Enlightenment period in the 18th century that the modern concept of human rights began to emerge.

In 1789, the French Revolution saw the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen,
which declared that all individuals had certain inherent rights, including liberty, property, security, and
resistance to oppression. This declaration influenced the adoption of similar documents in other countries,
such as the Bill of Rights in the United States.
In the 20th century, human rights became an
increasingly important issue on the global
stage, particularly after the atrocities of World
War II. In 1948, the United Nations adopted the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which
set out a broad range of rights, including civil
and political rights, economic, social, and
cultural rights, and the right to self-
determination.

Since then, numerous international treaties

and conventions have been adopted to protect
human rights, including the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the
International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights, and the Convention on the
Rights of the Child.

While progress has been made in protecting and promoting human rights, there are still significant
challenges and violations of human rights around the world. The fight for human rights continues to be an
ongoing struggle.

Bodies Concerned with Human Rights:

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The UNHRC is an intergovernmental body within the
United Nations system that is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. It
is composed of 47 member states and has the mandate to investigate human rights abuses, provide
technical assistance and capacity building, and establish international standards and guidelines for human
rights.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR): The OHCHR is the principal
United Nations office responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It supports the
work of the UNHRC and provides technical assistance and capacity building to governments and civil
society organizations to promote and protect human rights.

International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC is a permanent international court that investigates and
prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. It is designed to
complement national criminal justice systems and provides a mechanism for ensuring accountability for
serious international crimes.

International Labor Organization (ILO): The ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is
responsible for promoting social justice and promoting decent working conditions worldwide. It sets
international labor standards and provides technical assistance to governments and employers' and
workers' organizations to promote and protect workers' rights.
Regional human rights bodies: There are also several regional human rights bodies that are responsible
for promoting and protecting human rights in their respective regions, such as the European Court of
Human Rights, Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and African Commission on Human and Peoples'
Rights.

Fundamental Human Rights:

There are several fundamental universal human rights recognized by the United Nations, which are
enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Right to equality: All individuals are equal before and under the law and are entitled to the equal
protection and benefit of the law without discrimination.

Right to freedom from discrimination: All individuals are entitled to enjoy their human rights without
distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or
social origin, property, birth, or other status.

Right to life: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of a person.

Right to freedom from torture: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.

Right to freedom from slavery: No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade
shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Right to liberty and security of person: Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one
shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.

Right to fair trial: Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and
impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against
him.

Right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought,
conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either
alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching,
practice, worship, and observance.

Right to freedom of opinion and expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association: Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful
assembly and association.
Right to participate in government and free elections: Everyone has the right to take part in the
government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives, and to equal access to public
service in his country.

Right to social security: Everyone has the right to social security, including social insurance.

Right to work and just working conditions: Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment,
to just and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.

Right to form and join trade unions: Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the
protection of his interests.

Right to rest and leisure: Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of
working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Right to an adequate standard of living: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the
health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and
necessary social services.

Right to education: Everyone has the right to education.

Right to participate in cultural life: Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the
community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

Right to access to information and communication: Everyone has the right to access information and
communication technologies.

Right to marry and find a family: Everyone has the right to marry and to find a family.

Right to private property: Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with
others.

Right to political asylum: Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from
persecution.

Right to an effective remedy: Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national
tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Right to self-determination: Everyone has the right to self-determination. This right shall include freedom
to determine his political status, and to pursue his economic, social, and cultural development.

Human Rights in Pakistan:

Status of Human Rights in Pakistan:
Pakistan has a mixed human rights record. While the country has made progress in some areas, such as
the promotion of gender equality and the elimination of bonded labor, there are still significant human
rights challenges that need to be addressed.

Some of the key human rights issues in Pakistan include:

Violence against women: Women in Pakistan face a range of human rights violations, including domestic
violence, sexual harassment, and honor killings. The legal system is often slow to respond to these crimes,
and women may face stigmatization and victim-blaming.

Religious and ethnic minorities: Religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan, such as Christians, Hindus,
and Ahmadiyya Muslims, face discrimination and violence. They may be denied access to education,
employment, and housing, and may face attacks from their places of worship.

Freedom of expression: Journalists, bloggers, and human rights activists in Pakistan face threats,
intimidation, and violence for speaking out on sensitive topics, such as blasphemy and human rights
violations. Social media platforms are also increasingly subject to censorship and surveillance.

Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances: Security forces in Pakistan have been accused of
carrying out extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of political activists, journalists, and others.
Families of those who have disappeared often have
no information on their whereabouts or fate.

Child labor: Child labor is a significant issue in

Pakistan, particularly in the informal sector. Children
may be forced to work in hazardous conditions, such
as brick kilns and mines, and may be denied access to
education and basic services.

Despite these challenges, there are also positive

developments in Pakistan's human rights landscape.
For example, the government has taken steps to promote gender equality, including the passage of laws
on sexual harassment and acid attacks, and the establishment of special courts to handle cases of violence
against women. The country has also made progress in eliminating bonded labor and promoting the rights
of transgender individuals. Overall, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Pakistanis are
able to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

Human Rights organizations Ministries and NGOs in Pakistan:

National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR): The NCHR is an independent statutory body that is
responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Pakistan. It is mandated to investigate and
inquire into human rights violations, monitor and assess the human rights situation, and recommend
measures to prevent human rights abuses.

Ministry of Human Rights: The Ministry of Human Rights is responsible for the formulation and
implementation of policies and programs related to human rights in Pakistan. It works towards the
protection and promotion of the rights of women, children, minorities, and other vulnerable groups.
National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA): NADRA is responsible for issuing computerized
national identity cards to all citizens of Pakistan. It is also involved in the registration of births, deaths, and
marriages.

National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC): The NCRC is responsible for the protection and
promotion of the rights of children in Pakistan. It monitors the implementation of laws and policies related
to child rights and provides recommendations for their improvement.

National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW): The NCSW is an autonomous statutory body that
works towards the promotion and protection of the rights of women in Pakistan. It monitors the
implementation of laws and policies related to women's rights and provides recommendations for their
improvement.

Provincial Human Rights Departments: The provincial governments have established their own human
rights departments to implement policies and programs related to human rights at the provincial level.

National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights: The National Assembly Standing Committee
on Human Rights is responsible for overseeing the implementation of laws and policies related to human
rights in Pakistan.

Apart from the key organizations and bodies, there are several other institutions, organizations, and civil
society groups that work towards ensuring human rights in Pakistan. Some of them include:

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP): HRCP is an independent non-profit organization that
monitors human rights violations in Pakistan and works towards promoting and protecting human rights.

Pakistan Institute of Human Rights (PIHR): PIHR is a non-profit organization that promotes human rights
education, research, and advocacy in Pakistan.

Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA): LHRLA is a non-profit organization that provides free
legal aid to vulnerable and marginalized communities in Pakistan, including women, children, and
minorities.

Aurat Foundation: Aurat Foundation is a women's rights organization that works towards promoting and
protecting the rights of women in Pakistan.
The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ): CSJ is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting social
justice and human rights in Pakistan, with a focus on marginalized communities.

The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF): DRF is a non-profit organization that works towards promoting digital
rights and online freedom of expression in Pakistan.

The Human Rights Defenders Network Pakistan (HRDN): HRDN is a network of human rights defenders
in Pakistan that works towards protecting and promoting human rights, including civil and political rights,
economic, social, and cultural rights, and the rights of women, children, and minorities.

Human Rights and the world:

Human rights are an integral part of our global society and have been recognized as such for centuries.
These rights are a set of fundamental entitlements that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their
race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. The United Nations has recognized a number
of human rights as universal, including the right to life, liberty, and security, freedom from discrimination,
and the right to education, healthcare, and basic living standards. However, despite the widespread
recognition of human rights, violations of these rights continue to occur around the world, highlighting
the need for ongoing advocacy, education, and protection of human rights. Some issues pertaining to
Human rights that are becoming a point of concern in the world are:

1. International Issues of Human Rights:

2. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
3. Gender-based violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence.
4. Child labor and forced labor.
5. Lack of access to education, healthcare, and other basic needs.
6. Poverty and economic inequality.
7. Human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
8. Denial of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
9. Arbitrary detention and imprisonment.
10. Police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
11. Denial of access to justice and due process.
12. Discrimination against refugees and migrants.
13. Lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate housing.
14. Climate change and environmental degradation.
15. Discrimination against indigenous people and their land rights.
16. Denial of access to reproductive rights and healthcare.
17. Lack of access to safe and affordable healthcare.
18. Use of child soldiers in armed conflicts.
19. Denial of access to fair and impartial trials.
20. Extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances.
21. Denial of access to basic civil and political rights.
 Examples
Child labor In many countries, children are forced to work in
agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and other industries.
For example, in the cocoa industry in West Africa,
thousands of children are forced to work long hours, often
under hazardous conditions, to harvest cocoa beans.

Forced labor Forced labor is often associated with human trafficking,

where people are transported across borders and forced to
work under threats of violence. In Thailand, for example,
thousands of migrant workers are subjected to forced labor
in the fishing industry.

Police brutality Instances of police brutality occur in many countries, often

targeting marginalized communities. For example, in the
United States, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,
and many other Black Americans at the hands of police
have sparked widespread protests against police brutality
and systemic racism.

Genital mutilation: Female genital mutilation is practiced in many countries in

Africa and the Middle East. For example, in Egypt, an
estimated 90% of women have undergone some form of
genital mutilation.

Torture: Torture is used by governments and other actors in many

Human trafficking:
Denial of freedom of expression:
Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion
countries to extract information, punish dissent, or
intimidate opponents. For example, in Syria, the
government has been accused of using torture and other
forms of brutality against political prisoners
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation,
or exploitation of people for forced labor, sex work, or
other purposes. For example, in India, thousands of women
and girls are trafficked each year for domestic work,
prostitution, and forced marriages.
: In many countries, people are subjected to censorship,
imprisonment, or violence for expressing dissenting
opinions or criticizing the government. For example, in
China, the government heavily censors the internet and
imprisons journalists and activists who speak out against
the government
Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion occurs
in many countries, often resulting in limited opportunities,
exclusion from political power, and violence. For example,
in Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslim minority has been

Denial of the right to education:
Environmental degradation:
subjected to violence, forced displacement, and denial of
citizenship rights
In many countries, children are denied the right to
education due to poverty, discrimination, or conflict. For
example, in Afghanistan, the Taliban has targeted schools
and teachers, denying education to thousands of children,
especially girls.
Environmental degradation and pollution can also be
considered a human rights issue, as it disproportionately
affects marginalized communities who often lack the
resources to protect themselves. For example, in Nigeria,
the Ogoni people have suffered from decades of pollution
and environmental damage caused by oil drilling by foreign
companies.
Accountability: The responsibility of governments and individuals to be held accountable for human
rights violations.
Amnesty: A legal pardon or forgiveness for individuals who have committed human rights violations.
Civil and political rights: Rights related to political participation, freedom of expression, and the
administration of justice.
Cultural rights: The right to participate in cultural life and to enjoy cultural heritage.
Development rights: The right to economic, social, and cultural development.
Disability rights: The right of persons with disabilities to enjoy all human rights and freedoms.
Discrimination: Unequal treatment based on race, gender, age, religion, or other characteristics.
Due process: The fair and transparent application of laws and legal procedures.
Economic, social, and cultural rights: Rights related to education, healthcare, housing, and
employment.
Education for human rights: Education that promotes understanding and respect for human rights.
Equality: The principle that all individuals have the same rights and should be treated equally.
Freedom of expression: The right to express oneself freely, without interference or censorship.
Freedom of religion: The right to practice any religion or belief without interference.
Gender equality: The principle that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities.
Genocide: The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic
group or nation.
Human security: The protection of individuals from threats to their safety, dignity, and well-being.
Humanitarian intervention: The use of military force or other intervention by one state or group of
states in the internal affairs of another state in order to protect the human rights of individuals.
Indigenous peoples: Ethnic groups with distinct cultural and historical ties to a particular territory or
region.
International criminal law: The body of law that deals with crimes against humanity, war crimes, and
other serious violations of international humanitarian law.
International human rights law: The body of law that protects and promotes human rights at the
international level.
Minority rights: The rights of individuals who belong to minority groups, such as ethnic, religious, or
linguistic minorities.
Non-discrimination: The principle that individuals should not be discriminated against on the basis
of their race, gender, age, religion, or other characteristics.
Peacebuilding: Efforts to build sustainable peace in post-conflict societies through reconciliation,
reconstruction, and development.
Protection: The duty of governments and other actors to protect individuals from human rights
abuses.
Refugees: Individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, or other
threats to their safety.
Rule of law: The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the
law.
Torture: The intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain or suffering, often for the purpose
of obtaining information or confessions.
Transitional justice: The set of measures used to address human rights abuses and violations that
occurred during a period of conflict or authoritarian rule.
Women's rights: The rights of women to equal treatment, opportunity, and protection under the law.