ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 64

B.5.3.1
Human Rights and Jain Dharma
Justice N.K. Jain
Human Rights in historic perspective: Economic development of the 19th century made mankind insecure. The theory of economic development started eroding the basic human values. Machines took control over life and just at a press of a button the work was done. As a result the need for human power got diminished and the exploitation of women and children started. Two world wars were experienced during the 20th century (1914-1918 and 1939-1942). Demand for arms and armaments increased in the world market and all countries tried to make hay in meeting these demands. We thus saw the destruction caused by wars; religious fundamentalism and disregard for Human Rights due to economic development all rising at the same time. The last one started destroying the very culture and civilization. In such circumstances we saw the rise of democratic form of government. The concepts are Government of the people, by the people and for the people started gaining momentum. One nation after the other started becoming independent from their foreign rules. Earlier the countries were ruled either by religion i.e. by spiritual lords or by the whims and fancies of the rulers but now they started being ruled by a democratically enshrined constitution.
The first major international and organized effort to think about Human Rights was made in conference to end slavery on 25th September, 1926. Then four years later on June 23rd 1930, another conference was organized on bonded-labor. The first declaration of the Human Rights was made on 10th December, 1948. This declaration on Human Rights, thus December 10th is being celebrated as the world's Human Rights day.
What are Human Rights? Every human being has equal right/opportunity and freedom to live with dignity which is enshrined in Chapter 3 of Indian constitution as fundamental rights of its citizens. Judiciaries also recognize the international covenants. Judiciaries also honor this declaration
These Human Rights in Indian constitution have provisions namely; to live in pollution free environment, medical care, right against use of force and insulting methods in employment, respectful treatment of women, equal rights for children, women, old people and men etc. These rights cannot be denied on the basis of caste, creed, sex or language. These rights
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