INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:
International human rights encompass a set of established norms and regulations that are imposed upon sovereign states, obligating them to adhere to and uphold these principles. These obligations reflect the fundamental notion that essential rights and basic freedoms are inherent to all individuals, irrespective of factors such as caste, age, or background. It is a fundamental tenet that no state should engage in discrimination against any group of people. The framework of international human rights is constructed upon three pivotal documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
These international human rights principles are characterized by five key attributes: universality, indivisibility, independence, inalienability, and interrelation. Universality signifies that these rights are applicable to all human beings across the globe, without exception or discrimination. Indivisibility underscores the interconnection between civil and political rights on one hand and economic, social, and cultural rights on the other; they are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. Independence emphasizes that these rights are not contingent upon any external factor, and they are intrinsic to the inherent dignity of all individuals. Inalienability underscores that these rights cannot be surrendered, relinquished, or taken away from any person. Lastly, interrelation signifies the synergy among these rights, where the realization of one right often relies on the fulfillment of others, promoting a comprehensive framework for human dignity and equality. In essence, international human rights represent a global commitment to safeguarding the inherent worth and equality of every individual, transcending the boundaries of nationality, culture, and circumstances, thereby fostering a more just and equitable world.
ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:
The creation of international human rights has its roots in the aftermath of World War II, a time marked by severe destruction and grave atrocities. Events such as the Holocaust highlighted the need for a global framework to prevent war crimes, eliminate slavery and human trafficking, and protect the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or nationality.
In response to these critical concerns, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, a pivotal moment that laid out a comprehensive set of fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, emphasizing their universal and inherent nature. The adoption of the International Covenants in 1966 further solidified the legal obligations of nations to uphold and safeguard these rights.
Simultaneously, various regions established their own mechanisms for human rights protection, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Additionally, civil society organizations and advocates played a crucial role in raising awareness, monitoring compliance, and pushing for the enforcement of human rights, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the international human rights framework. In essence, international human rights represent a collective commitment to preserving the dignity and rights of all individuals on a global scale
VIOLATIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
Violations of international human rights refer to situations where either states or individuals fail to uphold the rights and freedoms outlined in international human rights agreements. These breaches can take various forms, including discrimination, torture, arbitrary detention, or censorship. Accountability for such violations involves assigning legal and moral responsibility to those found responsible, whether they are state actors, non-state entities, or individuals.
States are primarily responsible for safeguarding human rights within their borders, and violations can lead to legal consequences through domestic or international channels. International human rights treaties require states to report on their compliance and may subject them to reviews and recommendations by global bodies. International human rights courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice and regional courts like the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, play essential roles in ensuring state accountability for human rights violations. Additionally, individuals or groups can submit complaints about human rights violations to relevant bodies or courts, seeking justice at the international level.
Universal jurisdiction permits states to prosecute serious offenses like genocide and crimes against humanity, even when these crimes occur outside their borders, recognizing them as offenses against all of humanity. The issue of holding non-state actors and transnational corporations accountable for human rights violations is an ongoing legal and ethical discourse. Truth commissions and restorative justice mechanisms aim to address past violations by uncovering the truth, promoting reconciliation, and providing reparations to victims. Civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and public awareness campaigns play crucial roles in raising awareness about violations and pressuring states to be accountable for their actions. A framework of global and regional human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, establishes the legal foundation for addressing and enforcing human rights standards.
To sum it up, international human rights violations carry significant legal and moral repercussions. There are accountability mechanisms at both national and international levels to address these violations, ensuring that both individuals and states are held answerable for their actions when they encroach upon the basic rights and freedoms of people.
AUTHOR: PRIYANJALI ANTHONY, A STUDENT AT MEWAR GROUP OF INSTITUTION
