Human Rights Human Wrongs: In the Scale of Human Conscience

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a powerful instrument of the United Nations, but it is often rendered powerless by the behavior of individuals running the institutions and states. This has led to criticism of the UN and its most important organ, the Human Rights Commission, which was dissolved for "failing to live up to its ideals". Shambhu Ram Simkhada presents a scholarly, diplomatic, advocate, and defender perspective on the contemporary state of human rights and human wrongs, including his Chairmanship of the 56th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights and its 5th Special Session on the Human Rights of the Palestinian People in the Occupied Palestine Territories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a remarkable gift bestowed upon humanity by the United Nations and its primary human rights body, the Human Rights Commission. However, despite its immense potential, this powerful instrument often finds itself rendered powerless by the actions of individuals in positions of authority within institutions and states. These individuals, arguably the most influential institution conceived by the human mind to date, can undermine the effectiveness of the UDHR, leading to severe criticism of the United Nations and the dissolution of its most vital organ, the Human Rights Commission.

Ironically, the same states and their representatives who played a crucial role in establishing the United Nations institutions, including the Human Rights Commission initially but later vilifying it and spearheading the campaign for its replacement by the Human Rights Council, are now attacking it as a hypocritical and self-serving organization that undermines human rights. One of the most powerful member states even feels compelled to leave the Council.

In the face of this challenging situation, where does the world, the United Nations, and "we, the peoples," stand in their quest for greater freedom from want and fear, improved enjoyment of dignity and rights? Shambhu Ram Simkhada, through his extraordinary journey of life, academic pursuits, and expeditions involving professional and diplomatic mountain climbing, including the Chairmanship of the 56th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and its 5th Special Session on the Human Rights of the Palestinian People in the Occupied Palestine Territories, presents a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on the current state of human rights and human wrongs.

Drawing from his scholarly, diplomatic, advocate, and defender roles, Simkhada explores the contemporary landscape of human rights, shedding light on both the achievements and challenges faced by the global community. He examines the successes and failures of international human rights mechanisms, such as the United Nations and regional human rights bodies, in addressing pressing human rights issues and promoting the protection and promotion of human rights.

Simkhada also delves into the complexities of human rights violations, including genocide, war crimes, and human rights abuses, highlighting the need for accountability and justice. He advocates for the strengthening of international human rights laws, the promotion of human rights education, and the empowerment of marginalized communities to assert their rights and seek redress for injustices.

Furthermore, Simkhada reflects on the role of individuals and institutions in upholding and protecting human rights. He emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in the pursuit of human rights, as well as the need for civil society. society to engage in dialogue and promote mutual understanding to address human rights challenges.

In conclusion, Shambhu Ram Simkhada's book "Human Rights: A Quest for Greater Freedom" is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on human rights. Through his scholarly, diplomatic, advocate, and defender perspectives, Simkhada provides a comprehensive analysis of the contemporary state of human rights and offers insightful recommendations for promoting greater freedom, dignity, and rights for all. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, activists, and individuals who are committed to the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367701949