A TO Z INDIA ● MARCH 2022 ● PAGE 21
The human rights movement in India :
Fundamental human rights
Salil Saroj
Another area of concern is the continued violation of the rights of children , particularly those belonging to the vulnerable sections of our society , who are often subjected to sexual abuse , torture , violence , deprivation , denial and bonded labour . Exploitation of children for extracting labour and the malnutrition experienced by sizeable sections among them are grim realities of our society , for which it is essential that extant laws should be vigorously implemented with new enactments as may be required to ensure the comprehensive protection of the rights of children against exploitation and for enjoyment of their childhood .
The human rights movement in India has come a long way and a number of human rights centeredlegislations have been enacted during the last six decades , which all should be sincerely implemented . In India , the human rights challenges that need to be addressed very urgently lie in the areas of child care , child labour , child education , child abuse , bonded labour , trafficking in women , the protection of minorities and weaker sections of society and even environmental rights . Unless respect for fundamental human rights remains a bed-rock on which governance is based , no progress is possible in the real sense of the term , as development can be sustained only through due respect for human rights . The Media and the civil society organizations should play a very important role in creating human rights awareness and in bringing violation of human rights to the fore for remedial action .
Democracy , development and respect for human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing . Protecting democratic values , maintaining the Rule of Law and , at the same time , promoting human rights are the most fundamental requirements of a civilized existence , which remain the inalienable goals of any democracy . Though we have succeeded in establishing the largest democracy in the world , we have not yet been able to fully realize and protect the rights of our citizens which are essential prerequisites for our democracy to flourish . The need of the hour is to develop a culture of respect for human rights at every level of governance and civil society in the country .
Salil Saroj Legislative Officer Parliament of India
New Delhi