GE8074-Human Rights

Important Two marks questions

PART – A (UNIT 1)
1. Write short notes on NHRC.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) established in 1993, is an independent
statutory body as per the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993 which
was amended in 2006.
2. Who are all the members of NHRC?
Chairman of NHRC Retired Chief Justice of India
Member 1 Four full One who is/has been a Judge of Supreme Court of India
Member 2 time One who is/has been a Chief Justice of a High Court
Two Members members Candidates with the knowledge or practical experience in
the matters of Human Rights
Four Deemed Members Chairperson of National Commission for minorities
Chairperson of National Commission for scheduled tribes
Chairperson of National Commission for scheduled castes
Chairperson of National Commission for women
3. Mention the members of selection committee to choose members for NHRC.
Prime Minister (Chairman)
Speaker of Lok Sabha
Union Home Minister
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of the Parliament
4. What are human rights?
Rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex,
national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language or any other status. We are all equally
entitled to our human rights without discrimination.
5. Define Civil Rights.
Otherwise called Classic rights, generally restrict the powers of the government in respect
of actions affecting the individual and his or her autonomy (civil rights) and confer an
opportunity upon people to contribute to the determination of laws and participate in
government (political rights).
6. Define Social Rights.
Social rights require the governments to act in a positive, interventionist manner so as to
create the necessary conditions for human life and development. The governments are
expected to take active steps toward promoting the well-being of all its members out of
social solidarity.
7. What are moral rights?
Moral rights are those rights which are based on human consciousness. They are backed
by moral force of human mind. These are based on human sense of goodness and justice.
These are not backed by the force of law. Sense of goodness and public opinion are the
sanctions behind moral rights.
8. What are the economic rights?
Economic rights are those rights which provide economic security to the people. These
enable all citizens to make proper use of their civil and political rights. The basic needs of
every person are related to his food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment etc. Without the
fulfillment of these no person can really enjoy his civil and political rights. It is therefore,
 essential, that every person must get the right to work, right to adequate wages, right to
leisure and rest and right to social security in case of illness, physical disability and old
age.
9. Mention about Legal rights.
Legal rights are, clearly, rights which exist under the rules of legal systems or by virtue of
decisions of suitably authoritative bodies within them. They raise a number of different
philosophical issues.
10. What are solidarity rights?
The idea at the basis of the third generation of rights is that of solidarity; and the rights
embrace collective rights of society or peoples, such as the right to sustainable
development, to peace or to a healthy environment.
PART – A (UNIT 2)
11. Which is called as world’s first charter and illustrate it?
539 B.C: The CYRUS CYLINDER is recognized by many as the world‟s first charter of
human rights, this clay tablet contains proclamations of freedom and equality made by
Cyrus the Great, the first king of ancient Persia.
12. Brief about the Social Scientific Theory of Human Rights
The need to establish human rights agreements on cross-cultural.
This is because high level of cultural pluralism in the contemporary world and because of
constant changes in customs and values in different societies to find high-level agreements
in respect of human rights is clearly more difficult to obtain.
13. What is the Magna Carta?
The Magna Carta called as ‘Great Charter‟ is an English document created by the barons
during King John’s rule in 1215. Magna Carta stands for freedom that the people have
certain rights that cannot be taken away by anyone, and it stands for the only real true
rule of law; that no one, not even a king, is above the law. It still has major influence on
our legal system today, and has ensured equality for all citizens under the law.
14. List the three clauses of the Original Magna Carta which are still exist today?
1. The Church of England shall be free and maintain all of its rights and liberties.
2. The City of London shall keep all of its old customs and liberties.
3. No one shall be imprisoned or taken away without a trial
15. When did the First Geneva Convention declared?
The First Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and
sick in Armed forces, was declared on August 12, 1949 and it was mentioned in 64 articles
that protects the soldiers who are out of action due to injury or damage.
Analyze, directive principles of state policy contained in which part of the Indian
16.
constitution are not enforceable by any court.
The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the framing of laws by the
government. These provisions, set out in Part IV of the Constitution, are not enforceable
by the courts, but the principles on which they are based are fundamental guidelines for
governance that the State is expected to apply in framing policies and passing laws.
17. Classify the preamble liberty which seeks to secure.
The Preamble to the Constitution of India guide the people of the nation, and to present
the principles of the Constitution, and to indicate the source from which the document
derives its authority, and meaning. It highlights the goals and aspirations of the Indian
people.
18. Compare between Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.
 Fundamental rights include only those rights which are basic to a normal life. As against,
the human rights are based on the right of life with dignity. Fundamental rights are
guaranteed under the constitution of the country, whereas the human rights are
recognized at international level
19. Write the importance of Geneva Convention.
The Geneva Conventions were first drafted and ratified in Europe in 1864, modern version
with four Conventions drafted in 1949 and ratified by 191 countries. It established the Red
Cross in 1877. These treaties were accepted by all European countries, the US and some
Asian & Latin American countries.
20. When did the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declared and who declared it?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared in 1948. Roosevelt, credited with
its inspiration, referred to the Declaration as the international Magna Carta for all mankind.
It was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.
PART – A (UNIT 3)
21. What is the preamble of the UN charter?
Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of
San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form,
have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an
international organization to be known as the United Nations.
22. When was UN commission on human rights established and by whom?
It met for the first time in January 1947 and established a drafting committee for the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations on
December 10, 1948.
23. List out the UN bodies primarily.
(i)General Assembly. The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and
representative organ of the UN.
(ii)Security Council.
(iii)Economic and Social Council.
(iv)Trusteeship Council.
(v)International Court of Justice.
(vi)Secretariat.
24. When was UN commission on human rights established and by whom?
It met for the first time in January 1947 and established a drafting committee for the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations on
December 10, 1948.
25. Classify the Human Rights Characteristics.
1) Universal – Human rights belong to all people
2) Inalienable – Human rights cannot be taken away
3) Interconnected – Human rights are dependent on one another
4) Indivisible – Human rights cannot be treated in isolation
Non-Discriminatory – Human rights should be respected without prejudice
26. Write about the commission on the status of women.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental
body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of
women.
27. Illustrate the Notion of Rights.
Notion of Rights is called as “A Conception of or belief about something”. Historically,
many notions of rights were authoritarian and hierarchical, with different people granted
 different rights, and some having more rights than others.
28. Write the functions of UN high commissioner of human rights.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, accountable to the Secretary-
General, is responsible for all the activities of the OHCHR, as well as for its administration,
and carries out the functions specifically assigned to him or her by the UN General
Assembly in its resolution 48/141 of 20 December 1993 and subsequent resolutions of
policy-making bodies.
29. What is an entitlement?
A right to benefits specified especially by law or contract.
30. What is a social movement?
A social movement is a collective action by a large group of people, either through protest
or activism. It is usually achieved through coordinated social media campaigns, the use of
hashtags, and online petitions.
PART – A (UNIT 4)
31. State Preamble of Indian Constitution.
According to the preamble, the constitution of India has been pursuance of the solemn
resolution of the people of India to constitute India into a 'Sovereign Democratic Republic',
and to secure well-defined objects set forth in the preamble. Sovereignty denotes supreme
and ultimate power.
Analyze, directive principles of state policy contained in which part of the Indian
32.
constitution are not enforceable by any court.
The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the framing of laws by the
government. These provisions, set out in Part IV of the Constitution, are not enforceable
by the courts, but the principles on which they are based are fundamental guidelines for
governance that the State is expected to apply in framing policies and passing laws.
33. Classify the preamble liberty which seeks to secure.
The Preamble to the Constitution of India guide the people of the nation, and to present
the principles of the Constitution, and to indicate the source from which the document
derives its authority, and meaning. It highlights the goals and aspirations of the Indian
people.
34. Compare between Fundamental Rights and Human Rights.
Fundamental rights include only those rights which are basic to a normal life. As against,
the human rights are based on the right of life with dignity. Fundamental rights are
guaranteed under the constitution of the country, whereas the human rights are
recognized at international level
35. What are fundamental Rights of India?
1) Right to equality – Article 14-18
2) Right to freedom – Article 19-22
3) Right against exploitation – Article 23-24
4) Right to freedom of religion – Article 25-28
5) Cultural & educational rights – Article 29-30
6) Right to constitutional Remedies – Article 32-35
36. When was Indian Constitution adopted?
26 January 1950: The Constitution Was Legally Enforced. Passed by the Constituent
Assembly on 26 November 1949, it came into effect on 26 January 1950. The date 26
January was chosen to commemorate the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete
Independence) of 1930
 Analyze, fundamental rights contained in which part of the Indian constitution are
37.
enforceable in courts of law.
The Fundamental Rights are defined as the basic human rights of all citizens. These rights,
defined in Part III of the Constitution, applied irrespective of race, place of birth, religion,
caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions
38. Classify the Human Rights Characteristics.
1) Universal – Human rights belong to all people
2) Inalienable – Human rights cannot be taken away
3) Interconnected – Human rights are dependent on one another
4) Indivisible – Human rights cannot be treated in isolation
5) Non-Discriminatory – Human rights should be respected without prejudice.
39. Write any two functions and jurisdiction of the National human rights commission.
a. Promote and protect human rights
b. Review the safeguard provided by or under any enactment for the protection of human
rights.
40. Illustrate the Notion of Rights.
Notion of Rights is called as “A Conception of or belief about something”. Historically,
many notions of rights were authoritarian and hierarchical, with different people granted
different rights, and some having more rights than others.
PART – A (UNIT 5)
41. What rights does the constitution provide for the aged in our country?
Article 41 of the Constitution secures the right of senior citizens to employment, education
and public assistance. It also ensures that the state must uphold these rights in cases of
disability, old age or sickness. Article 46 asserts that the educational and economic rights
of the elderly must be protected by the state.
42. Mention the definitions of Vulnerable groups.
1) People who are discriminated based on sex, race, by birth in a particular community,
religious or disability or any other criteria that is specific to each society may generally
described as disadvantaged people.
2) Certain groups of population who often encounter discriminatory treatment, or need
some kind of special attention for protection of the State to avoid exploitation or from a
harmful environment.
43. Define the meaning of Disadvantaged groups.
According to the general perspective of International Law of Human Rights, disadvantaged
groups are the people who are denied free access to the guaranteed rights in their free
exercise.
Based on the socio, economic, cultural perspectives, the classification of these groups vary
from country to country. In general, women, children, socially, economically, culturally
deprived sections, disabled, minorities etc. form part of disadvantaged groups.
44. Explain the disadvantaged people of Women and Girls?
Women and girls are normally in a disadvantageous position all over the World. However,
compared to developed countries, they are in a more disadvantageous position in
developing countries due to abject poverty, other social, cultural, and derogatory
customary practices adopted in each country.
45. Define Internally Displaced Persons.
People who are forced to leave their home and place of residence due to adverse effects
or events that take place in their habitual dwelling are described as Internally Displaced
Persons. These people normally take shelter in their own country away from their habitual
 place of residence. They do not fall under the category of refugees.
46. When the Government of India adopted a National policy of older population?
In the national scenario, the Government of India adopted a national policy of older
persons in 1998. In view of the increasing number of older persons and to protect their
rights, the Government of India enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act 2007, in order to extend legal protection to the rights of the elderly
persons in the country.
47. Mention the preamble of CPRD?
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), 2006.
The Preamble of CRPD states: ‘Disability is an evolving concept, and that disability results
from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental
barriers that hinders full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others’
48. Mention the two important conventions of Human Rights of Women?
1) The Convention on the Political Rights of Women, 1952.
2) The Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed
Conflict 1974.
49. What is UNICEF?
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
50. What is an NGO?
Non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, were first called such in Article 71 in the
Charter of the newly formed United Nations in 1945. While NGOs have no fixed or formal
definition, they are generally defined as nonprofit entities independent of governmental
influence (although they may receive government funding).
 20 Two mark questions from previous two Anna University Question Papers

PART – A
1. Define a civil society
The wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence
in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on
ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations.
2. What are the functions of the state human rights commission?
The NHRC is the National Human Rights Commission of India is responsible for the
protection and promotion of human rights, 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 and enforceable by courts in India."
3. What are the fundamental rights to an Indian citizen?
i. Right to equality
ii. Right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association or union,
movement, residence, and right to practice any profession or occupation
iii. Right against exploitation, prohibiting all forms of forced labour, child labour and
traffic in human beings.
iv. Right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of
religion.
v. Right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture, language or script, and right
of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
vi. Right to constitutional remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
4. What is right-based approach?
A rights based approach means that all forms of discrimination in the realization of rights
must be prohibited, prevented and eliminated. It also means that priority should be given
to people in the most marginalized or vulnerable situations who face the biggest barriers to
realizing their rights.
5. Define domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be
defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power
and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or
psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any
behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or
wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual
orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including
couples who are married, living together or dating.
6. Mention a few UN agencies that monitor and ensure compliance of human rights.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The UN General Assembly (GA)
The UN Security Council (SC)
7. What is Greenpeace?
Greenpeace is a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use
peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and
promote solutions that are essential to a green, just, and joyful future.
8. What is a social movement?
Social movement, a loosely organized but sustained campaign in support of a social goal,
typically either the implementation or the prevention of a change in society's structure or
values.
9. What is an entitlement?
A right to benefits specified especially by law or contract.
10. What rights does the constitution provide for the aged in our country?
Article 41 of the Constitution secures the right of senior citizens to employment, education
and public assistance. It also ensures that the state must uphold these rights in cases of
disability, old age or sickness. Article 46 asserts that the educational and economic rights
of the elderly must be protected by the state.
11. Name any two international/national agencies that monitor human rights violations.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The UN General Assembly (GA)
The UN Security Council (SC)
12. Define Internally Displaced People.
People who are forced to leave their home and place of residence due to adverse effects or
events that take place in their habitual dwelling are described as Internally Displaced
Persons. These people normally take shelter in their own country away from their habitual
place of residence. They do not fall under the category of refugees.
13. Define legal rights.
Legal rights are those rights which are accepted and enforced by the state. Any defilement
of any legal right is punished by law. Law courts of the state enforce legal rights. These
rights can be enforced against individuals and also against the government. In this way,
legal rights are different from moral rights.
14. What is a human-rights based approach?
A human-rights based approach means that all forms of discrimination in the realization of
rights must be prohibited, prevented and eliminated. It also means that priority should be
given to people in the most marginalized or vulnerable situations who face the biggest
barriers to realizing their rights.
15. What are the fundamental rights of an Indian citizen in the Constitution?
i. Right to equality.
ii. Right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association or union, movement,
residence, and right to practice any profession or occupation.
iii. Right against exploitation, prohibiting all forms of forced labour, child labour and traffic
in human beings.
iv. Right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of
religion.
v. Right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture, language or script, and right of
minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
vi. Right to constitutional remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
16. What is a social movement?
A social movement is a collective action by a large group of people, either through protest
or activism. It is usually achieved through coordinated social media campaigns, the use of
hashtags, and online petitions.
17. Mention about the unique role of Amnesty International?
 The core principle of Amnesty International is a focus on prisoners of conscience, those
persons imprisoned or prevented from expressing an opinion by means of violence. Along
with this commitment to opposing repression of freedom of expression, Amnesty
International's founding principles included non-intervention on political questions, a
robust commitment to gathering facts about the various cases and promoting human
rights.
18. What is constitutional provision?
Constitutional Provisions are the set of rules or laws that come under a country's
constitution. It establishes the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens. These cannot
be changed or altered by the court or common law. If the provisions are to be changed,
they must go through a specific process.
19. Brief the role does the SHRC play.
SHRC refers States Human Rights Commission.
The role of the States Human Rights Commission are as follows: To inquire into any
violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a public
servant, either suo motu (suo motu means on self behalf) or on a petition presented to it
or on an order of a court.
20. Who are PLHIV?
Over the years of coping with the stigma and discrimination that accompany the diagnosis
in most societies, a large number of support groups have been formed. In these groups,
the term most often applied to people who are HIV-positive is "People Living With
HIV/AIDS". This is often abbreviated as "PLWHA" or "PLHIV".