Write a short note on the evolution of Human Rights.

The evolutions of human rights have taken place over centuries. Man had to struggle hard in order to achieve the ultimate goal – living with dignity – which still has to be realized in various societies. India itself is an example where women, children, dalits, bonded labourers, etc, is trying hard to be a part of mainstream. Inspite of all these, the world recognized the U.N.Charter of 1945 which states that human rights are inalienable aspect of mankind. The origin of human rights may be traced to the theory of Natural Rights derived from the concept of Natural Law, as propounded by ancient Greek Stoic Philosophers and further developed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. The American and French Revolution gave further impetus to the struggle of human rights. The evolution and development of human rights in the international context can be traced to the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights followed by the French Declaration and the American Bill of Rights.

The twentieth century witnessed the crystallization of the philosophy of Human Rights when the United Nations adopted the UN Charter, 1945, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 and the International Covenants on Human Rights with further emphasis to protection of rights of Women, Abolition of Slavery, Racial Discrimination, Civil and Political Rights, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and most importantly the Rights of children.

In India the drafters of Constitution took care to incorporate Human Rights for its own citizens as well as for the aliens.