LECTURES
May/2020
Human Rights & Vulnerable Groups
Mallika Ramachandran &
Deepa Kansra
Questions for students;
1. What factors determine the nature of vulnerability of individuals and groups?
2. In what ways do cultural norms & practices add to the vulnerability of individuals and groups?
3. In what ways has climate change made individuals & groups vulnerable to harm?
4. Can groups & individuals be vulnerable risk owing to global practices and policies?
5. Are there uniform domestic and international standards to provide for vulnerable groups?
6. Are there adequate provisions to care for the mental & psychological harm caused to vulnerable groups?
May/2020
Three Generations of Human Rights
Deepa Kansra
Questions for students;
1. Can one set of rights be more important than the other set of rights ?
2. What are the obligations of society towards the three generations?
3. Are all generations of rights equal in status in international human rights law?
4. Are all generations of rights equal in status in domestic laws?
5. Should there be a convention/document on human rights duties?
6. How are the three generations of human rights interdependent?
May/2020
Introduction to Economic, Social, Cultural Rights
Mallika Ramachandran &
Deepa Kansra
Questions for students;
1. What is the role and involvement of corporations and individuals in the realization of ESC rights?
2. What are the non-economic challenges to ESC rights?
3. What is the role of the international community towards ensuring fulfilment of ESC rights?
4. How to assess if resources are being used to the maximum for ESC rights ?
5. Are all human rights equally important in ensuring a life with dignity?
June/2020
Introduction to ICESCR Optional Protocol [OP-ICESCR]
Mallika Ramachandran &
Deepa Kansra
The ICESCR Optional Protocol brought the ICESCR [International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights] at par with the ICCPR [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights] in terms of introduction of like enforcement mechanisms including an individual complaints procedure. The ICESCR previously envisaged the mechanism of periodic reports by member states to monitor implementation; no further remedies (such as inter-state communications provided for in the ICCPR) were envisaged. The OP-ICESCR mechanisms were adopted to ensure that remedies are provided in cases of violations of economic, social and cultural rights. The OP-ICESCR adds an adjudicatory and inquiry procedure for CESCR to enforce and implement the ICESCR.
At this juncture, the successful enforcement of ESC rights is being viewed in light of the works of the CESCR [ICESCR Committee] as seen through its work; General Comments, Views under the communications mechanism, and Concluding Observations...
May/2020
Essence of Fundamental Duties
Rabindra Kr. Pathak &
Deepa Kansra
Questions for students;
1. Are duties of private individuals expressly provided for under human rights instruments?
2. How are duties enforced in domestic and international law?
3.What duties are found in the text of most constitutions?
4.Under IVA of Indian Constitution, are the words used vague and ambiguous? 5. Are the duties under IVA legal duties or moral duties?
6. What measures are taken by the state to create awareness about fundamental duties?
7. Have some duties under Part IV A received more attention by the State as compared to others?
May/2020
Introduction to Civil & Political Rights
Deepa Kansra
Questions for students;
1. Under what conditions can civil & political rights be restricted or curtailed?
2. What is the impact of globalization on civil and political rights?
3. Are rights under the ICCPR related to the rights under ICESCR?
4. What steps taken by the state can qualify as reasonable measures under the ICCPR?
5. Can there be uniform standards pertaining to different human rights?
6. Are civil and political rights also protected against actions of non-state entities?
May/2020
Economic & Social Rights under Indian Constitution
Mallika Ramachandran &
Deepa Kansra
Covers a broad understanding of the status of socio-economic human rights under the Indian Constitution. The slides are divided into three parts;
Part I- Nature & Status under Indian
Part II- Constitutional Law & Socio-economic rights
Part III - India and UN Mechanisms
May/2020
HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS:
Greek Conceptions of Natural Rights as Reflected in Modern Theories of Human Rights
Mallika Ramachandran
...Greek philosophy and thought are considered to be the foundation of much of modern Western philosophy and thought. Although the classical Greek theory of natural law and rights differed greatly from modern notions, particularly, where the concept of “right” itself is concerned, yet the importance of many of its notions in the modern human rights jurisprudence cannot be overlooked.
It can be said that the roots of modern human rights can be found in ancient Greece...