New Delhi: Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th, honouring the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This milestone document encapsulates the inherent rights and liberties that belong to every individual, spanning from birth to the culmination of life.
As 2023 approaches, the 75th anniversary of the UDHR marks a pivotal moment in history, themed around “Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All.
The UDHR’s significance is profound, transcending linguistic barriers with translations in over 500 languages and becoming a catalyst for numerous laws and movements worldwide. Today, as the world grapples with escalating conflicts resulting from the devastation and war in multiple countries, one stark truth remains: civilians bear the brunt of war’s horrors.
The current global landscape paints a grim picture. The Russia-Ukraine war has displaced millions and inflicted unimaginable suffering on innocent civilians. In Gaza, the conflict with Israel continues to claim civilian lives and devastate infrastructure. And in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return to power has plunged women into a nightmarish reality where their basic rights are systematically denied.
These conflicts highlight the urgent need for a global conversation on the protection of civilians during times of war. This compels us to urgently examine the rights of civilians in wartime and establish clear boundaries that warring parties cannot cross.
For years, Common Article 3 within the Geneva Conventions stood as the sole written guideline encompassing broad humanitarian norms pertinent to armed conflicts. This article necessitates that the parties engaged in these conventions uphold the dignity and safety of individuals not directly participating in hostilities.
The fundamental right to life is gravely compromised in times of warfare, where civilians often fall victim to conflicts. Deliberate targeting and the denial of essential resources like food, water, and medical aid further intensify the challenges to preserving this core human right.
In regions engulfed by conflict, the abuse of power often leads to egregious violations of fundamental rights. Tragically, torture, arbitrary detentions, and disappearances plague these areas, undermining the critical need for ensuring civilians’ safety and preserving freedom from inhumane treatment.
Women and children bear an unequal burden, facing heightened dangers such as exploitation, trafficking, and sexual violence. They struggle with disrupted access to education, healthcare, and safety, often being denied basic rights crucial for their well-being.
Ensuring unobstructed access for humanitarian organisations to deliver critical aid to vulnerable populations remains a crucial priority, vital for providing life-saving assistance to those who need it most.
The Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are vital frameworks for protecting civilians. However, there are noticeable disparities in their application and enforcement. There’s an urgent need for stronger mechanisms to hold accountable those who breach these principles to help ensure a steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of civilians during conflicts.