New Delhi, Dec 10.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chief Arun Mishra on Saturday spoke of the need to have a uniform civil code to give effect to Article 44 of the Constitution and to usher in gender equality.
He was speaking on the Human Rights Day at a function attended among others by the President of India.
“We see discrimination against women worldwide due to social, customary and religious practices. The time has come to take care of the same by enacting legislative provisions to remove discrimination in inheritance, property rights, parental rights, domicile of married women, and legal capacity,” Mishra, a former Supreme Court judge, said.
“Improving the condition of women in vulnerable sections and in rural areas is needed. To ensure equality, empowerment of women through development and proper education is essential. They cannot be made to suffer discrimination and gender violence for eternity. Without providing dignity and equal right to them, a celebration of the day is meaningless,” he said.
“The Supreme Court has shown the way for equality by progressive interpretations. Article 44 of the Constitution, enabling equality by enacting a Common Civil Code should not remain a dead letter.”
President Droupadi Murmu spoke of the need to respect human rights and deal with climate change.
“Climate change is knocking on the doors. People in the poorer nations are going to pay a heavier price for the degradation of our environment. We must consider the environmental dimension of justice now.”
Mishra also spoke of the need protect the environment and prevent climate change and ensure freedom from fear, oppression and suppression.
“We cannot keep cutting trees and claim the right to live in a healthy environment. Human rights’ day reminds us of love and affection for all fellow humans and other living creatures. We cannot exist alone. We need to coexist….”
“Freedom of speech and expression are supreme, which has to be exercised with responsibilities while protecting the dignity of others.”
Globalization, he said, has brought foreign investment, but it has led to concentration of wealth too in the hands of transnational enterprises and a few countries.
“We must ensure respect for human rights by multinational corporations and guard against superior bargaining power within the national legal framework. Licensing regulations must protect the interest of the national industries/businesses.”
“Moral and intellectual property rights are to be protected in invention and original work, but such rights must not apply for education and protection of the right to life. At war footing, we have to fight manufacturing of spurious drugs. No one should be allowed to play with human life.”
“The development of nations is judged by human dignity, not by economic growth devoid of morals. Technological advancements should benefit human kind. Individual freedom cannot go against morality of society. This would disturb the very fabric of our society.”
“Cyberspace is being blatantly used for criminal and immoral purposes. It is fundamental to the right to life that we live with dignity and provide the same equally to others,” he said. He also spoke of India’s tradition of treating refugees with compassion.
