SRINAGAR, As International Human Rights Day approaches, there is a growing call for stronger accountability mechanisms to address human rights violations globally. This year’s theme, “Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future,” emphasizes the need for robust enforcement and adherence to human rights standards, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and subsequent treaties.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the current state of human rights enforcement and accountability is concerning, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where dissent is stifled and media freedoms are curtailed. The recent use of Article 99 of the UN Charter by the United Nations Secretary-General to address the human rights situation in Gaza underscores the urgency of the issue.
The UDHR, adopted in 1948, has led to the creation of more than seventy human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These documents affirm fundamental rights and the right to self-determination. The majority of UN member states have ratified these covenants, committing to uphold human rights and freedoms for all individuals.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Complaint Procedure (CP) are existing mechanisms that assess and examine the human rights records of UN members. The Human Rights Council (HRC) also plays a critical role in coordinating efforts to protect and promote human rights through education and awareness campaigns.
However, the enforcement of these human rights standards remains a challenge. The suppression of human rights activists and restrictions on freedoms in regions like Kashmir and Gaza are cited as examples of violations without adequate international response. In South Asia, India, despite its democratic claims, is criticized for violating human rights, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
To strengthen the human rights regime, recommendations include enhancing the authority of UN mechanisms, establishing stringent accountability, coordinating peacebuilding efforts, and documenting human rights abuses comprehensively. The goal is to create a world where human rights are not a luxury but a foundation for peace, stability, and justice.
On this International Human Rights Day, the call is to reaffirm commitment to the principles of the UDHR and to work towards establishing effective accountability mechanisms for a better world.