The idea of having superpowers—e.g., flight, stopping a crime being committed, etc. has fascinated numerous people. Although such fancies are far from reality, there is a real-life empowerment that allows one to advocate for justice, safeguard the weak, and be a part of the collective good of society: human rights. Many top law colleges in Nashik have human rights as a dedicated topic of study in their law curriculum.
While less awesome than invisibility or superhuman powers, human rights have a very important role to play—enabling people to live in dignity, freedom, and equality. These powers are vested upon just being born a human.
More often than not, human rights are discussed in the context of world crises or courtroom battles. Art.21 for example, of the Constitution of India is said to be the most interpreted Article. Every basic human right, though not expressly mentioned, is considered to be implied under this Article. Yet, it is also essential to acknowledge their applicability in everyday life. Documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Constitution of India guides us on defining how these rights can be interpreted, practiced, and safeguarded.
Let’s look at some of these everyday superpowers and how they play out in your life:
1. The Power of Voice (Freedom of Expression): Think of a world where you were not allowed to express your views, where going against the establishment could cost you dearly. Yikes! That’s where Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and equivalent provisions in the Indian Constitution is an empowering gift.
It enables you to voice your opinion, take part in public debate, make the powerful accountable, and add to the bazaar of ideas.
2. The Power of Belief (Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion): Your inner life – your beliefs, values, and spiritual beliefs – is a space of individual freedom and autonomy safeguarded by human rights. Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in Article 18 of the UDHR allows you to adopt your own faith system (or no faith system), to freely practice your religion, and to live in accordance with your deeply held convictions. This right encourages tolerance and respect for diversity in our communities.
3. Dignity of Power (Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination): The principle of non-discrimination and equality, a very fundamental principle of human rights law (Article 1 of the UDHR and Articles 14-18 of the Indian Constitution), establishes your inherent value and equal status with every other human being. This power enables you to insist on justice against discriminatory behaviour you may and to work towards a world in which everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
4. The Power of Security (Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Person): This basic right, stated in Article 3 of the UDHR and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, also called the “Umbrella right”. Like a shield of immunity, it protects against arbitrary arrest, detention, and violence. It protects your body and dignity and supports your capacity to live life without fear. Being aware that this right exists gives you strength to claim justice when your safety is at risk and defend the safety and welfare of your fellow community members.
5. The Power of Participation (Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association Your freedom of peaceful assembly and association rights (Article 20 of the UDHR and Article 19 of the Indian Constitution) is a superpower that empowers citizens to be active participants of their society it encourages people to work together and create a community where you belong.
6. Power of Information (Right to Obtain, Receive, and Share Information) and Privacy: A well-informed citizenry and a healthy democracy require access to information. This gives you the power to learn, to make power accountable through information access, and to engage constructively in public debate. We can also say information includes Education. Thus, it also contains Right to Education which is necessary for the secured future of the youths of a Nation. Secrecy/Privacy and Information can be known as the two sides of the same coin. Thus, we need to protect what requires protection and publish what requires preaching.
7. Right Against Exploitation: It is another power where you can protect and prevent the weaker sections of the society from getting exploited. Your chance to shut down one of those illegal child labour factories, unmask the slavery gangs, human trafficking, etc like your favourite action film.
8. Power to Choose: Imagine where there is a voice in your head always telling you what to do against your wish, making decisions for you, like some helicopter parents or like you are under the Imperious Curse! Horrifying! Phew! This power allows you to decide for yourself. It helps you have an identity of your own. Choose your profession, education, where you want to reside, etc.
9. Power of Belonging: This power allows you to seek asylum, have national security and to have a nationality. No one is left alone!
10. Power to Vote: This Power allows you to choose your leader. Everyone gets heard! All voices matter! Each vote could change the course of the future altogether.
Conclusion
While the fundamental rights give people the power, there must be a sense of responsibility in exercising their rights. Freedom of expression does not include hate speech or disinformation, similarly, the freedom of association does not mean violence or disturbances of public peace.
Knowledge of the limits of one’s rights is necessary in building a just, equitable, and peaceful society. Some of the best law colleges in Maharashtra offer a morally positive perspective on human rights to students to help them become empathetic advocates of human welfare in the future.
Though human rights may seem simple at first glance, these rights allow you to unleash your full capacity and you can use them to benefit the society, but using your right does not give you the power to infringe the rights of another. These rights also help the public in general from being exploited and protect the weaker and vulnerable sections of the society.
Ultimately, kindness, empathy, and responsible action remain the most powerful tools for shaping a better world.