Human rights

Dr. HEM
 Overview
HUMAN RIGHTS are the rights that all people have by
virtue of being human beings.

HUMAN RIGHTS are derived from the inherent dignity

of the human person and are defined
internationally, nationally and locally by various law
making bodies.

The Universal Declaration of Human

Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by
the united Nations General Assembly on 10 December
1948 at the palais de chaillot, Paris. It contains 30
articles.
 Five categories of Human Rights
• Civil – the right to be treated as an equal to
anyone else in society
• Political – the right to vote, to freedom of speech
and to obtain information
• Economic – the right to participate in an economy
that benefits all; and to desirable work
• Social – the right to education, health care, food,
clothing, shelter and social security
• Cultural – the right to freedom of religion, and to
speak the language, and to practice the culture of
one’s choice
 Abuse
Definition: a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate
action, occurring within any relationship where there is an
expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to person

Types:
According to age:
1. Child
2. Elderly
According to mode of abuse:
3. Physical abuse
4. Psychological abuse
5. Sexual abuse
6. Financial abuse
7. Neglect
 Physical abuse
Physical abuse is an actual or potential physical harm
from an interaction or lack of an interaction, which
is reasonably within the control of a person in a
position of responsibility, power or trust. There may
be a single or repeated incidents.
e.g.
• Beating
• Denial of food or shelter
• Burning
• Cutting
 Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse, also referred to
psychological violence, emotional abuse or mental
abuse, is a form of abuse characterized by a person
subjecting or exposing another to behavior that
may result in psychological trauma, including
anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress
disorder.
e.g. threats, name-calling, social isolation etc
 Sexual abuse
Sexual assault is any type of forced or coerced sexual
contact or behavior with perpetrators using force,
making threats or taking advantage of victims that
happens without consent.

Sexual assault includes rape and attempted rape,

child molestation, and sexual harassment or threats
e.g. forced sexual intercourse, forced oral/anal sex
etc.
 Sexual abuse
Sexual offence: Any sexual act which are
committed a way which is against the provision of the
law of the land.

Rape: Sexual intercourse with unmarried girl, widow

and with a woman with or without her consent below
16 yrs of age and without consent above 16 yrs, or if
consent is taken by undue influence, under threat or
use of force.
 Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide for the development of the
child/person in all spheres: health, education, emotional
development, nutrition, shelter, and safe living conditions, in
the context of resources reasonably available to the family or
caretakers and causes or has a high probability of causing
harm to the child’s/person’s health or physical, mental,
spiritual, moral or social development

e.g. not providing food to eat, no medical attention when sick,

not allowing to go school etc.
 Child abuse
Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of
physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse,
neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other
exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to
the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in
the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or
power.
 Clinical features
History:
• Usually comes with injuries of some type
• History doesn’t fit to the injuries and gives different
history at a time
• Medical attention is delayed
• Responsible person seems unconcerned
• The victim seems afraid and do not give
appropriate history
 Clinical features
Examination:
• Injuries: cut, bruises, bites, burns
• Sexual abuse: vaginal discharge, ano-genital
injuries, bite marks
• Age and distribution of injuries doesn’t fit to the
history given by patient and responsible person
• Malnutrition
• Usually associated other medical problems are
present
• Poor personal hygiene
• Emotionally disturbed, fearful, anxious, depressed,
quiet
 Management
Counselling
– be non-judgemental, build good rapport Do not ask leading questions,
– Give time to respond
– take care of privacy,
Relevant investigation: X-ray of relevant part, pregnancy test etc.

Treatment:
Appropriate treatment of injuries
Sexual abuse:
– Emergency contraceptive pills
– Treatment of STIs
Psychiatric consultation
Inform relevant authority
Geneva Declaration 1948 (WMA)
The modern version of Hippocratic Oath
1. I solemnly pledge my life to the service of humanity.
2. Even under threat, I will not use my knowledge
contrary to the laws of humanity.
3. I will maintain the utmost respect for human life
from time of conception.
4. I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality,
race, party-politics or social standings to intervene
between my duty and my patient.
5. I will practice my profession with conscience and
dignity.
6. The health of my patient will be my first
consideration.
7. I will respect the secrets, that are confided in
me, even after patient has died.
8. I will give to my teacher the respect and
gratitude, which is their due.
9. I will maintain by all means in my power, the
honor and noble traditions of the medical
profession.
10. My colleagues will be my sisters and
brothers.
All the best for
futures to come
and again …..