Age-old struggle : The change we wanted

Human rights are fundamental entitlements universal to all individuals, irrespective of their background, gender, or nationality. However, the stark reality is that these rights are frequently disregarded, suppressed, or breached. The agenda of such rights is to elevate inequality and institute growth of the society but unfortunately in this modern world, we are is moving backwards. 

In India there isn’t one Radhika Yadav , there are many and the number is frightening. I come from a nation where honour killings have been rooted as customs , choosing the societal idea of dignity over humanity. I come from a nation where till present no matter how far women grow, the society always finds a way to pull them back. I come from a society where men are labelled not “manly enough” if they support feminism or support ideas declared wrong by the society. It raises the question that despite advancements on paper women continue to face struggles to attain basic livelihood and human rights , the change in question seems to have not started. 

The situation in Afghanistan highlight brutality against humanity, with women facing extreme restrictions. They are barred from public speaking, education, and even voting. The Taliban's draconian laws enforce strict dress codes and forfeiture of voting rights and education. If caught under act of disobedience, women are met with severe physical punishment. Human trafficking and exploitation of young girls further exacerbate the human rights crisis. It's striking to note that in some places animals now enjoy more rights than women. This regression is a reminder of our collective failure to uphold human rights as a society. Such issues emphasise the need for continued advocacy and efforts to protect human rights for all.  

With famous judgments like the European Court of Human Rights' ruling in Opuz v. Turkey (2009), which embark the importance of protecting human rights particularly for women, and ample numbers of domestic laws- we still see such incidents occur nationally and internationally. Many judgements and laws in history but to look back have we really developed or are we moped between bookish definitions of the subject with no real change? 

Until next time

Signing off,

Levishka Khurana