Human Rights Handbook

In recent years, there has been enhanced awareness of human rights in the country following the orders of the Supreme Court and activities of the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions, nongovernmental organisations, human rights activists, United Nations and its specialised institutions. There have also been exciting developments both at the national and international level, be it at the legislative front or where institutional mechanisms on human rights are concerned. For instance, the International Criminal Court has started working since 2002 and a new international convention on rights of persons with disabilities and disappearances have been adopted. The new and improved Human Rights Council has been established and is now more than one year old. At the domestic level too, there have been interesting developments which include, among others, the Right to Information Act, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, legislations which tackle domestic violence against women and enable the setting up of commissions for the protection of the rights of children. Moreover, human rights courses have been introduced by over 35 Universities. Human Rights Handbook carries an analysis of jurisprudence, carefully selected materials, and systematically arranged topics, with an emphasis on international and domestic standards on civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights and relevant case law; rights of vulnerable sections; contemporary issues such as terrorism, right to environment and right to development; newer trends in international human rights law; ratifi cation and reporting history of India as well as reservations and declarations entered by India to various Human Rights Conventions. To assist students and researchers who are keen on further learning, a select bibliography and a list of useful websites have also been given. In addition to students of law, international relations and political science, it will also prove useful to lawyers, human rights activists, teachers and all others interested in this fi eld