15 Jun Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”. The topic “Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action” has relevance in the Social Justice section of the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance:
For Prelims:
What is the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action?
For mains:
GS 2: Social Justice
Significance of Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action?
Other International Human Rights Laws?
New Challenges for the Human Rights regime?
India’s position on International Human Rights?
Why in the news?
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in June 2023.
What is the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action?
The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) is a landmark human rights document adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna, Austria, in 1993. It serves as a comprehensive framework for the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
Significance of Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action?
- Universality, Indivisibility, and Interdependence of Human Rights: The VDPA emphasizes that all human rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. It recognizes that the realization of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights is essential for the overall well-being of individuals and societies.
- Non-Discrimination: The VDPA condemns discrimination in all its forms and stresses the need to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
- Democracy, Rule of Law, and Good Governance: The VDPA highlights the importance of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance in promoting and protecting human rights. It emphasizes the need for participatory and inclusive systems that respect human rights and the will of the people.
- Gender Equality: The VDPA recognizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It calls for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and the promotion of equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
- Right to Development: The VDPA recognizes the right to development as a universal and inalienable right and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to promote sustainable development and address poverty and inequality.
- Human Rights Education: The VDPA emphasizes the importance of human rights education and awareness-raising to promote a culture of human rights and strengthen the understanding and respect for human rights at all levels of society.
Other International Human Rights Laws?
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR is a foundational document that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. Although not legally binding, it has influenced the development of subsequent human rights treaties and is considered a widely accepted standard.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): The ICCPR, adopted in 1966, guarantees civil and political rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. It establishes obligations for states to respect and protect these rights and establishes the Human Rights Committee to monitor compliance.
- International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): Also adopted in 1966, the ICESCR recognizes the right to work, the right to education, the right to health, and other socio-economic rights. It obligates states to progressively realize these rights and establishes the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for monitoring.
New Challenges for the Human Rights regime?
- Technological Advancements: The rapid advancement of technology has posed new challenges for human rights. Issues such as data privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and online freedom of expression require careful consideration to ensure that human rights are protected in the digital age.
- Climate Change and Environmental Rights: Climate change poses significant threats to human rights, including the right to life, health, food, water, and a safe environment. Addressing the adverse impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development while safeguarding human rights require innovative approaches and international cooperation.
- Displacement and Migration: The global increase in displacement and migration presents complex challenges for human rights. Protecting the rights of refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants, including their right to seek asylum, access to basic services, and non-discrimination, requires comprehensive and humane responses from governments and the international community.
- Emergence of New Human Rights Issues: As societies evolve, new human rights issues emerge. These may include the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, rights of persons with disabilities, rights of indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups. Ensuring their equal rights and protection necessitates continuous advocacy and legal reforms.
- Shrinking Civic Space and Threats to Civil Society: Many countries have witnessed a shrinking civic space and increasing restrictions on civil society organizations and human rights defenders. Intimidation, harassment, and legal restrictions hinder the work of those advocating for human rights, challenging the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
India’s position on International Human Rights?
India has ratified both the ICCPR and the ICESCR, demonstrating its commitment to upholding civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. However, it’s important to note that while the ICCPR and the ICESCR are legally binding treaties, the UDHR itself is not a treaty and has not been signed or ratified by states. Nonetheless, the UDHR continues to be recognized as a significant document that has influenced the development of human rights laws and serves as a guiding principle for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
source:https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2023/06/vienna-30-looks-future-human-rights
plutus ias current affairs eng med 15th June 2023
Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) is/are correct?
1.The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna in 2003.
2.The VDPA reaffirms the universality, indivisibility, interdependence, and interrelatedness of all human rights.
3.It emphasizes the importance of non-discrimination, equality, and the right to development.
4.The VDPA recognizes the significance of civil and political rights, but does not address economic, social, and cultural rights.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
(a)1 and 4 only
(b)1, 2 and 3 only
(c)1,2,3 and 4
(d)None of the above
Answer: (b)
Q.2 Which of the following statements regarding international human rights laws and India is/are correct?
1.India has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
2.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is legally binding on India.
3.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is an independent body established to address human rights violations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a)1 and 3 only
(b)1, 2 and 3 only
(c)1,and 2 only
(d)None of the above
Answer: (a)
Q.3 Discuss India’s engagement with international human rights laws and institutions, highlighting its ratification of key human rights treaties, establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, and participation in the Universal Periodic Review. Assess the challenges faced by India in implementing and promoting human rights, and suggest measures for further enhancing its commitment to human rights protection.
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