Extra 15 important long questions and answers from the chapter "Human Rights" for Class 11 Political Science:
1. What are Human Rights? Explain their characteristics.
Answer:
Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every individual, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or religion.
Characteristics of Human Rights:
Universal:
Applicable to all humans equally.
Inalienable:
Cannot be taken away.
Indivisible:
All rights are equally important.
Interdependent:
One right affects others.
Legally protected:
Recognized and enforced by laws.
2. Discuss the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Answer:
The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, is a historic document that outlines fundamental human rights.
Significance:
Global Standard:
First universal recognition of human rights.
Foundation for Laws:
Inspired many national constitutions and international treaties.
Protection of Dignity:
Ensures freedom, equality, and justice.
Guidance for Governments:
Encourages democratic governance.
International Monitoring:
Forms the basis for UN Human Rights Council actions.
3. Explain the different categories of Human Rights.
Answer:
Human rights are broadly classified into three categories:
Civil and Political Rights:
Right to life, liberty, and security.
Freedom of speech, press, and religion.
Right to vote and participate in governance.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights:
Right to work and fair wages.
Right to education.
Right to health and social security.
Collective Rights:
Right to self-determination.
Right to a clean environment.
Rights of indigenous communities.
4. What is the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India?
Answer:
The NHRC was established in 1993 to promote and protect human rights in India.
Functions:
Investigates Violations:
Examines complaints of human rights abuses.
Advises the Government:
Recommends reforms and policies.
Spreads Awareness:
Conducts campaigns and educational programs.
Protects Vulnerable Groups:
Focuses on minorities, women, and children.
Ensures Justice:
Monitors state actions and provides legal aid.
5. What are Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution, and how do they relate to Human Rights?
Answer:
Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35) ensure basic human rights for Indian citizens.
Relation to Human Rights:
Right to Equality (Articles 14-18):
Protects against discrimination.
Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22):
Ensures speech, expression, and movement.
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24):
Prohibits human trafficking and child
labor
.
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28):
Ensures religious liberty.
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30):
Protects minorities.
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32):
Allows legal action for rights violations.
6. How do international organizations promote human rights?
Answer:
International organizations work globally to protect human rights.
1. United Nations (UN):
Created UDHR and promotes treaties.
Monitors violations through UNHRC.
2. Amnesty International:
Investigates human rights abuses.
Publishes reports and pressures governments.
3. Human Rights Watch:
Focuses on freedom of speech and minority protection.
4. International Criminal Court (ICC):
Prosecutes war crimes and genocide cases.
7. Discuss the challenges to the protection of Human Rights.
Answer:
Despite legal protections, human rights violations persist due to:
Political Suppression:
Governments restrict freedom of speech.
Economic Inequality:
Poor access to health, education, and work.
Gender Discrimination:
Unequal rights for women and LGBTQ+ communities.
Terrorism and Conflicts:
War zones witness severe abuses.
Child
Labour
and Human Trafficking:
Exploitation of vulnerable groups.
8. Explain the Right to Equality under Human Rights.
Answer:
The Right to Equality ensures that all people are treated fairly and without discrimination.
Key Aspects:
Equal Treatment Before Law (Article 14).
Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 15).
Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17).
Equal Opportunity in Employment (Article 16).
9. What is the Right to Development?
Answer:
The Right to Development ensures that every person has access to social and economic progress.
Key Features:
Economic Growth:
Right to employment and fair wages.
Social Welfare:
Education, healthcare, and social security.
Environmental Protection:
Sustainable development practices.
10. Explain the Right against Exploitation.
Answer:
This right protects people from being forced into labour or slavery.
Provisions in India:
Article 23:
Prohibits forced
labour
and human trafficking.
Article 24:
Bans child
labour
in hazardous industries.
11. What is the importance of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression?
Answer:
This right allows people to freely express opinions and ideas.
Significance:
Strengthens Democracy.
Encourages Free Press.
Prevents Government Tyranny.
12. Explain the role of Judiciary in protecting Human Rights in India.
Answer:
Indian Judiciary ensures the protection of Fundamental Rights.
Methods:
Judicial Review:
Declares unconstitutional laws void.
Writs (Article 32 & 226):
Helps enforce rights.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
Allows citizens to fight for social justice.
13. What is the Right to Privacy, and why is it important?
Answer:
The Right to Privacy, under Article 21, protects individuals from:
Government Surveillance.
Unauthorized Data Collection.
Misuse of Personal Information.
14. How does the Right to Education promote Human Rights?
Answer:
The Right to Education (Article 21A) ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
Importance:
Eliminates Illiteracy.
Promotes Social Mobility.
Empowers Women and Minorities.
15. What steps can be taken to improve Human Rights protection?
Answer:
Stronger Laws:
Stricter enforcement of rights.
Judicial Reforms:
Faster justice delivery.
Awareness Programs:
Educating people about rights.
NGO and Media Support:
Promoting rights activism.
