introduction of human rights

1) Meaning & Definition of Human Rights

2) Objects of Human Rights
3) Sources of Human Rights
4) Kinds of Human Rights
5) Concept of Human Rights
introduction of human rights

Meaning :- Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that
belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.

 They can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be

restricted, for example if a person breaks the law, or national
securities.

 The basic Human rights are Right to life, right to dignity, fairness,
equality, respect and independence.
introduction of human rights

Definitions :- There are some definitions from different jurists:-

 According to Section 2(d) of the protection of Human Right

Act, 1993 :- “Human rights means the right relating to life, liberty,
equality, and dignity of individual guaranteed by the Constitution
or embodied in the international Covenants and enforceable by
Courts in India.
introduction of human rights

Definitions :- There are some definitions from different jurists:-

 According to Susan Moller Okin :- “Human rights as a claim to

something of crucial importance for human life”.

 According to Dr. Purohit :- “Human rights are the basic values

which under lie that human beings, born in any part of the world,
are equal in dignity and rights”.
objects of human rights

1) To Protect Human Rights

2) To develop individual self respect
3) To value human dignity
4) To promote respect, understanding and appreciation of diversity
5) To promote democracy, Social Justice and friendship among
people and nations.
sources of human rights

1) Universal declaration of human rights

2) International treaties and covenants
3) International Customs
4) Judicial Decisions
5) Official Documents
kinds of human rights

1) Civil and Political Rights

2) Economic and Social Rights
3) Collective Rights
kinds of human rights

1) Civil and Political Rights :- Rights contained in the covenants of

Civil and Political come under this category that see their origin
in the 13th century in Magna Carta.

 E.g :- Right to life, liberty, right to privacy, right to freedom from

torture and inhuman treatment.
kinds of human rights

2) Economic and Social Rights :- These rights refer to economic

and social rights which are considered to have been originated in the
Russian Revolution of 1917 and in the Paris peace conference of
1919.

 E.g :- Food, Clothes, House and adequate standard of living and

freedom from hunger etc.
kinds of human rights

3) Collective Rights :- Individuals are also members of such units,

groups or communities and state, therefore, international law not only
recognizes inalienable rights of individuals, but also recognizes
certain collective rights.

 E.g :- Right to self determination, rights to peace and development

etc.
concept of human rights

 Magna Carte :- Magna Carta also known as “Great Charter”, is a

charter of rights agreed to by King John as England, on 15 th June
1215, to make peace between the unpopular king and a group of
people, it promised the protection of church rights.

 Petition of Rights, 1628 :- A statement of Civil liberties sent by

the English parliament o Charles 1. Human rights were improved
or enhanced in the petition.
concept of human rights

 The Bill of Rights, 1689 :- Is a landmark Act in the constitutional

law of England that sets out certain basic civil rights.

 The Virginia Declaration, 1776 :- This declaration specified a

number of fundamental rights of man. The Virginia declaration of
rights affirmed that all men are by nature equally free and
independent and have certain inherent rights.
concept of human rights

 Constitution of USA 1787 :- Constitution of USA 1787 with

amendments in 1789, 1865, 1869 and 19119 specified a number
of fundamental rights of man.

 The French declaration, 1789 :- Inspired by the American

declaration of independence, the newly formed National
Assembly proclaimed the declaration of the rights of men and
citizen.
concept of human rights

 Universal declaration of Human Rights 1948 :- Is a historic

documents that was adopted y United Nations General Assembly,
UDHR is a milestone document in the history of Human rights, it sets
out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally
protected.

 International Covenants 1966 :- The United nations General

Assembly adopted two covenants on 16th Dec. 1966, the international
covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International
covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ICESCR).
human rights united nations

1) Provisions of the U.N. Charter to

promote and protect Human Rights

2) The Economic and Social Council

(ECOSOC)
 human rights united nations

human rights :- Human Rights are the basic fundamental

rights and freedoms that belong to every
person in the world
united :- The United Nations (UN) is an
intergovernmental organization that aims to
maintain international peace and security,
nations develop friendly relation among nations,
achieve international cooperation, and be a
center of harmonizing the action of nations.
history of united nations
In 1945, nations were in ruins, World war II
was over and world wanted peace
 51 Counties
gathered in San
Francisco that
year to sign a
documents
The Document
was United
Nation Charter
(U.N. Charter)
provision of united nations

Consequently, the Charter contained a number of provisions for

the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
preamble and under Article 1, 13, 55 and 68.

Preamble of The U.N Charter :- Begins with the words “we the
people of the United Nations”.
“Faith in fundamental Human Rights, in the dignity and worth of
the human person, in the equal rights of men and women”.
provision of united nations

Article 1 :- The purpose of the U.N. “to achieve international co-

operation in solving international problems of an economic,
Social, Culture or humanitarian character, and in promoting and
encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental
freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or
religion.
provision of united nations

Article 13 :- Promoting international co – operation in the

economic, social, cultural, educational and health fields, and
assisting in the realization of Human Rights and fundamental
freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or
religion.
Article 55 :- For self – determination of peoples, the United
Nations shall promote solutions of international economic, social,
health and observance of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms.
provision of united nations

Article 68 :- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) shall

set up commission in economic and social fields and for the
promotion of Human Rights, and such other commission as may
be required for the performance of it’s function”.
economic and social council

 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the principal

organs of the United nations.

 Accordingly, it appointed a commission on Human Rights which

was approved by the General Assembly on 12th February, 1946
and the commission was called United Nation Commission.

 18 Members
powers of the commission

 The commission was empowered to carry out studies, make

recommendations and draft new international treaties.

 The Commission began its work in January, 1947 and the

commission on Human Rights established the sub – commission
to protection on minorities.
powers of the commission

 The Commission in the same session appointed a committee

which is known as drafting committee for the preparation of the
draft of International Bill of Rights.

 It drafted Universal declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

which was adopted by the General Assembly on Dec 10,
1948.
universal declaration of human rights

 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a

declaration that was adopted by United Nation’s General
Assembly on 10th Dec. 1948.

 It declares that Human Rights are Universal to be enjoyed by all

people, no matter who they are or where they live.
universal declaration of human rights

 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of a

preamble and 30 Articles. Covering both Civil and
Political
Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Article 1 and 2 :- General

Article 3- 21:- Civil and Political Rights
Article 22 – 28 :- Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
universal declaration of human rights

UDHR can be divided into 6 parts :-

 Part 1 (Article 1 and 2) :- They reaffirm human dignity,

equality and brotherhood.

 Part 2 (Article 3-11) :- They are the rights of the individual and
include Right to life, outlawing of slavery or torture, equality
before law, The Rights to a fair trial etc.
universal declaration of human rights

UDHR can be divided into 6 parts :-

 Part 3 (Article 12 - 17) :- They are the rights of individuals within

Civil and Political society. They include freedom of movement,
the rights to nationality, right to marry and found a family.

 Part 4 (Article 18 - 21) :- They are the spirituals and religious

rights of individuals, such as freedom of thought and conscience,
right to your own opinion, the right to peaceful assembly and
association and the right to vote and take part in government.
universal declaration of human rights

UDHR can be divided into 6 parts :-

 Part 5 (Article 22 - 27) :- They are the Social, Economic and

Cultural rights of the individual. They include the right to work,
the right to rest and leisure, the right to a decent standard of living
and the right to education.

 Part 6 (Article 28 - 30) :- They reminds us that right come with

obligations, and that none of the right mentioned in the UDHR can
be used to violate the spirit of the United.
universal declaration of human rights

Members of UDHR :-

 48 members voted in favour out of 58 members of the United

Nations.
e.g :- India, China, Egypt, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, United
States.
universal declaration of human rights

Legally effect of UDHR :-

 The Universal declaration is not a treaty, so it does not directly

create legal obligations for countries.
ation/ international second
covenant on civil and
generation/ political rights
international third generation/
covenant on economic, social collective rights
cultural rights
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

 The ICCPR is part of the International Bill of Human Rights,

along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR).
 ICCPR is monitored by the United Nations Human Right
Committee.
 It has it’s root in the same process that led to the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was

adopted on 16th December, 1966 and came into effect on 23rd
March, 1976.
 The Covenant consists a preamble and 53 Articles
This Covenant is divided into 6 parts
 Part 1,2 and 3 described the various rights and freedoms and
part 4,5 and 6 explain the implementation procedure for the
effective realization of these rights.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

6 Parts of ICCPR :-

 Part 1 (Article 1- 3 and 5) :- General

 Right of people’s self determination
 Equal right of men and women.

 Part 2 (Article 4) :- Right in Emergency

 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

6 Parts of ICCPR :-

Part 3 (Article 6- 27) :- Substantive Rights

 No one shall be arbitrary deprived of his life.
 Sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious
crimes.
 Liberty of Movement and freedom.
 Equality before law
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

6 Parts of ICCPR :-

Part 4 (Article 28- 45) :-

They provides the procedure for the implementation of the rights.

Which will be monitored by Human Right Committee.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

6 Parts of ICCPR :-

Part 5 (Article 46- 47) :-

Clarifies that the Covenant shall not be interpreted as interfering with

the operation of the United Nations or “the inherent right of all
peoples to enjoy and utilize fully and freely their natural wealth and
resources”.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

6 Parts of ICCPR :-

Part 6 (Article 48- 53) :-

Which deals with the formalities of the ratification and

implementation of the Covenant.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

Object of ICCPR :-

 To promote conditions within states to allow the enjoyment of

Civil and Political Rights.
 To provide an effective remedy.
 To create binding effect.
 first generation /
international covenant on civil
and
political rights (iccpr)

Legal effect of the Covenant :-

Article 2 says that each state parties undertakes to adopt such

legislative measures within their domestic jurisdiction as may be
necessary to give effect to the rights listed in the Covenant and
Para 3 (a) of the same Article provided that they shall provide an
effective remedy if the violation has committed by persons acting
in an official capacity.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

 The ICESCR is part of the International Bill of Human

Rights, along with the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR) and The International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR).
 The Covenant is monitored by the UN Committee on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
 The ICESCR has it’s root in the same process that led to the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

 The first document became the International Covenant on Civil

and Political rights, and the second the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16th
December, 1966 and came into effect on 3rd January, 1976.

 ICESCR consists a preamble and 31 Articles, divided into

following 5 parts:-
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

 Part 1 (Article 1) :-

Recognizes the rights of all peoples to self determination

including the right to “Freely determine their political status”
pursue their economic, social and cultural goals, and manage and
dispose off their own resources.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

 Part 2 (Article 2-5) :-

Establishes the principles of “progressive realization”. It also

requires the right be recognized without discrimination of any kind
as to race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

Part 3 (Article 6-15) :- Lists the rights :-

 Work, under “just and favorable conditions”.

 Right to form and join trade unions.
 Social security, including social insurance.
 An adequate standard of living.
 Participation in cultural life.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

Part 4 (Article 16-25) :-

Governs reporting and monitoring of the covenant and the steps

taken by the parties to implement it.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

Part 5 (Article 26-31) :-

Governs ratification, entry into force, and amendment of the

covenant.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

Differences between ICCPR and ICESCR

ICCPR are the First ICESCR are the Second

Generation or FIRST Generation or Second
class right. class right.
ICCPR get more ICESCR get less
attention. attention than ICCPR.
 second generation /
international covenant on
economic, social and cultural
rights (icescr)

Differences between ICCPR and ICESCR

 Talks about Civil and  Talks about Economic,
Political Rights Social and Cultural
 Western countries more Rights
inclined to Civil and  Eastern countries more
Political rights. inclined to economic,
social and Cultural
rights
 third generation /
collective rights
 Collective Rights, also known as group rights. These are the
rights which belong to all people so that members of all groups
may be benefitted.

 These are the rights which do not vest in, nor is exercised by an
individual alone, like traditional rights.
 third generation /
collective rights
 The concept of collective rights emerged because
individual human rights do not guarantee adequate
protection for indigenous people.

 Collective rights guarantee the development and preservation of

minorities and form of organization.
 third generation /
collective rights
Various kind of Collective Rights

 Right to development:- The term ‘development’ encompasses

the development of Economic, Social, Cultural and Political
process for the development of the personality of Human Being.
The declaration on the Right to Development adopted by the
general Assembly in 1986.
 third generation /
collective rights
Various kind of Collective Rights

 Right to self-determination :- Right of self- determination is a

collective human right which is beneficial to all the groups and to
all the individuals of the territory. Although International Covenant
on Civil and Political rights and International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights have laid down in identical
words rights of self-determination as a human right by stating that
‘All people have the right of self-determination’.
 third generation /
collective rights
Various kind of Collective Rights

 Right to safe environment :- Change in physical and biological

conditions in the environment is called pollution of the
environment. Pollution affects adversely the quality of Human life,
as well as animals, plants and industries.
European Convention on Human Rights
History :- Regional Human rights systems, are regional instruments
and mechanisms, play an increasingly important role in the promotion
and protection of human rights. Regional Human Rights instruments
(e.g. Treaties, Conventions, Declarations) help to localize international
human rights norms and standards, neglecting the particular human
rights concerns of the region.

Currently, the three most well established regional human rights

systems areEurope, The Americas and Africa.
European Convention on Human Rights
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) :-

 The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protects the

human rights of people in countries that belong to the council of
Europe.
 All 47 members state of the council, have signed the convention.
 It’s full title is the ‘Convention for the protection of Human Rights
and Fundamentals freedoms.
European Convention on Human Rights
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) :-

 The convention was based on the United Nations’ Universal

Declaration of Human Rights. It was signed in Rome on November
4, 1950 and came into force on September 3, 1953.

 The Convention consists of 59 Articles protecting basis human

rights with 16 protocols.
European Convention on Human Rights
Rights and freedoms provided by ECHR :-

 Right to life and Right to liberty

 Freedom from torture or to inhuman treatment
 Freedom from slavery.
 Freedom from forced labour.
 Right to fair hearing
 Right to freedom of thought and expression
European Convention on Human Rights
Rights and freedoms provided by ECHR :-

 Right to freedom of peaceful assembly

 Right to education.
 Right to marry and found a family
 Right to the peaceful enjoyment of his possession
 Abolition of death penalty.
 Right to review of a conviction by a High Court.
European Convention on Human Rights
Machineries of ECHR :-

1. European Commission
2. European Court
3. The Committee of Minister
European Convention on Human Rights
European Commission

European Commission was a Commission who receive complaints

from parties through the secretary General. The Commission could
receive petitions from anyindividual, NGO, parties.
European Convention on Human Rights
European Court

 The European Court of Human Rights is a regional human rights judicial

body. The court began operating in 1959 and has delivered more than 10,000
judgments regarding alleged violations of the European Convention on
Human Rights.
 The European Court is often called “Strasburg Court”.
 The court has jurisdiction to decide complaints (applications) submitted by
individuals and states concerning violations of the convention for the
protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
European Convention on Human Rights
The Committee of Ministers

The Committee of ministers was empowered to deal with merits of

cases and along with that it ensuring that government comply with
the court’s judgment.
European Convention on Human Rights
Importance of Protocol no. 11 :-

 Protocol 11 aims to rationalize the machinery for enforcement of

rights and liberties guaranteed by the Convention.
 The European Court has became the full time permanent Court.
 The Committee of Ministers is no longer empowered to deal
with the merits of cases, Although it maintains its important
role of ensuring that government comply with the Court’s
Judgment.
American Convention on Human Rights

 American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR)

 Purpose of the Convention
 Rights protected by the American Convention
 Restrictions imposed on the Rights
 Machineries of American Convention
 Differences between European Convention and
American Convention
American Convention on Human Rights
American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR) :-

 The American Convention on Human Rights, also known as

the “Pact of San Jose de Costa Rica”, is an International
Human Rights instrument.

 It was adopted by many countries in the western Hemisphere, on 22

November 1969, and came into force on 18th July, 1978.
American Convention on Human Rights
American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR) :-

 The American Convention on Human Rights protects the

human rights of people of the organization of American States
(OAS)

 The Convention was ratified by 21 of the 32 members of the

Organization of American State (OAS)
American Convention on Human Rights
Purpose of the Convention :-

 The purpose of the convention is “to consolidate, a system of

personal liberty and social justice based on respect for the essential
rights of man”.
American Convention on Human Rights
Rights protected by the American Convention :-

1. Civil and Political Rights

2. Economic Social and Cultural Rights
American Convention on Human Rights
Rights protected by the American Convention :-

1. Civil and Political Rights

 Right to judicial personality

 Right to Human treatment
 Freedom from Slavery
 Right to fair trial
 Right to privacy
American Convention on Human Rights
Rights protected by the American Convention :-

1. Civil and Political Rights

 Right to assembly
 Right to nationality
 Right to participate in government
 Right to equal protection of law.
American Convention on Human Rights
Rights protected by the American Convention :-

2. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

 Right to work
 Trade union rights
 Right to social security
 Right to health and healthy environment
 Right to food
 Right to education
American Convention on Human Rights
Restriction imposed on the Rights :-

It is to be noted that these rights and freedoms may be suspended in

time of war, public danger, or other emergency that threatens the
independence and security of a state party.
American Convention on Human Rights
Machineries of American Convention :-

 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

 Inter-American Court of Human Rights
American Convention on Human Rights
Machineries of American Convention :-

 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights :-

 The Inter-American Commission is a quasi- judicial, quasi-political

body established by the OAS charter and the American Convention
 The Commission is composed of seven members.
 The commission could receive petition by any person, any NGO, or
any members state
American Convention on Human Rights
Machineries of American Convention :-

 Inter-American Court of Human Rights :-

 The inter-American Court of Human Rights is an autonomous judicial

institution. Together with the Inter-American Commission on Human rights.
It makes up the human rights protection system of the Organization of
American States (OAS)
 The Court consists of seven judges, held to the highest moral judgment who
have a high competency in human right law.
American Convention on Human Rights
Differences between European Convention and American Convention :-
ECHR
• European Convention lays down
only the rights and not the duties of
individual.
• European Convention provides for
an optional individuals petition
procedure.
• European Convention can take a
decision against a state.
ACHR
• American Convention stated the
individual’s rights as well as
individual’s duties.
• American Convention has a
mandatory individual petition
procedure.
• American Convention can only
make a report setting forth its
opinion.
National Human Rights Commission

 Introduction of NHRC
 Constitution of the Commission
 Structure of the Commission
 Functions and Powers of NHRC
National Human Rights Commission
Introduction of NHRC :-

 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an

independent statutory body established on 12th October, 1993 as
per provision of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

 It is the watchdog of Human Rights, responsible for the protection

and promotion of Human rights, defined by the Act as “ Right
relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual
guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International
Covenants and enforceable by Courts in India.
National Human Rights Commission
Introduction of NHRC :-

 In 1991, a UN meeting in Paris has developed a detailed set of

principles (i.e. Paris Principles). The principles became the
foundation for the establishment and operation of National Human
rights institutions.

 In pursuant of these principles, India has enacted the protection of

Human Rights Act, 1993, with a view to bring about greater
accountability and strengthening of the human rights in the Country.
National Human Rights Commission
Constitution of the Commission :-

 A Chairperson who has been a chief justice of Supreme Court.

 One member who is, or has been, a judge of Supreme Court.
 One member who is, or has been, chief justice of a High Court.
 Three members to be appointed from amongst person having knowledge
of, or practical experience, in matters relating to human rights.
 Three members that the Chairpersons of the –
1. National Commission for minorities.
2. The National Commission for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled tribes.
3. National commission for women
National Human Rights Commission
Structure of the Commission :-

 President appoints the Chairman and members of the NHRC on

recommendation of a high-powered committee headed by Prime
Minister.

 The Chairperson and the members of the NHRC are appointed for 5 years
or till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

 They can be removed only on the charges of proved misbehavior or

incapacity, if proved by an enquiry conducted by a Supreme Court
Judge.
National Human Rights Commission
Functions and Powers of NHRC :-

 NHRC has power to investigates grievances regarding the violation of

Human Rights.
 It has the power to interfere in any Judicial proceedings involving any
allegation of violation of human rights.
 It can visit any jail or any institution under the control of the state
Government to see the living conditions of the inmates.
 It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law
for the protection of the human rights.
National Human Rights Commission
Functions and Powers of NHRC :-

 NHRC undertakes and promotes research in the field of human rights.

 NHRC work to spread human rights literacy among various sections of

society and promotes awareness of the safeguards.

 It has the powers of Civil Court and can grant interim relief.

 It also has the authority to recommend payment of compensation or

damages.
State Human Rights Commission

 Introduction of SHRC
 Constitution of the Commission
 Functions and Powers of SHRC
State Human Rights Commission
Introduction of SHRC :-

 A State Government may constitute a body known as the Human

Rights Commission of that state to exercise the powers conferred
upon and to perform the functions assigned to, a state Commission.

 It is the watchdog of Human Rights, responsible for the

protection and promotion of human rights.
State Human Rights Commission
Introduction of SHRC :-

 At present, 26 states have constituted State Human Rights

Commission.

 The first state human rights commission was constituted in Kolkata

on 8 January, 1994, known as West Bengal Human Rights
Commission.
State Human Rights Commission
Constitution of the Commission :-

 A Chairperson who has been a chief Justice of High Court.

 One member who is, or has been, a judge of High Court.
 One member who is, or has been, a District Judge of that state.
 Two members to be appointed from amongst person having
knowledge of, or practical experience, in matters relating to human
rights.
 There shall be a secretary who shall be the chief executive officer of
the state Commission and shall exercise such powers and discharge
such functions of the State Commission as it may delegate to him.
State Human Rights Commission
Functions and Powers of SHRC :-

 SHRC has power to investigates grievances regarding the violation of

Human Rights.
 It has the power to interfere in any Judicial proceedings involving any
allegation of violation of human rights.
 It can visit any jail or any institution under the control of the state
Government to see the living conditions of the inmates.
 It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law
for the protection of the human rights.
State Human Rights Commission
Functions and Powers of SHRC :-

 It has the powers of Civil Court and can grant interim relief.

 It also has the authority to recommend payment of compensation or

damages.
National Commission for Women (NCW)

 Introduction of NCW
 Objects of NCW
 Constitution of the Commission
 Functions and Powers of NCW
National Commission for Women
Introduction of NCW :-

 The National Commission for Women (NCW) is the statutory

body of the Government of India, generally concerned with
advising the government on all policy matters affecting women.

 It was established on 31 January, 1992 under the provisions of the

Indian Constitution, as defined in the 1990 National
Commission for Women Act.
National Commission for Women
Objects of NCW :-

 The object of the NCW is to represent the rights of women

in India and to provide a voice for their issues and concerns.

 The subjects of their campaigns have included dowry, politics,

religion, equal representation of women in jobs, and the
exploitations of women for labour.
National Commission for Women
Constitution of the Commission :-

 A Chairperson, to be nominated by the Central Government.

 Five members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst
persons of ability, integrity and standing who have had experience in law
or legislative.
 A member-secretary to be nominated by the Central Government who
shall :-
 An expert in the field of management, organizational structure or
sociological movement.
 An officer who is a member of a civil service of the union or of all- India
service or holds a Civil post.
National Commission for Women
Functions and Powers of NCW :-

 Investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards

provided for women under the Constitution and other laws.

 Review, from time to time, the exiting provisions of the

Constitution and other laws affecting women.

 Call for special studies or investigations into specific problems

or situations arising out of discrimination against women.
National Commission for Women
Functions and Powers of NCW :-

 Participate and advice on the planning process of socio-economic

development of women.

 Visit jail, remand home, women’s institution or other place of

custody where women are kept as prisoners.

 Any other matter which may be referred to it by Central

Government.