What are Human Rights?

As the term suggests, the basic rights a person possesses inherently for the sake of being a human are termed as human rights. Such rights support the inherent dignity of a human being among other fellows. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was introduced in 1948 as a milestone document recognizing human rights at an international pedestal. Although it lacks an enforcing power, thus, countries violating the provisions of the declaration can not be punished. However, most of these human rights are usually formulated in a country's domestic/ local laws. For example, the fundamental rights in the Constitution of India, 1950 uphold almost all the human rights. Given below are some of the basic human rights:

• Right to life
• Right to shelter
• Freedom of expression
• Right against exploitation
• Right to dignity

Human Rights Lawyers

Where there is a violation of legal rights, one needs an advocate to be represented before the court of law. Lawyers for human rights are those who handle matters of human right violation at domestic or international courts. There are pro bono human rights lawyers as well who take up matters without charging their clients while serving a cause of humanity. The infringement of dignity as a human right has to be prevented or corrected in a legal manner avoiding any further violence. That is why human rights advocates hold an important dias in the legal fraternity. One may find a list of lawyers for human rights associated with Vidhikarya on this page. People who face some basic right violation and lack any means of financial support to approach the courts may also contact pro bono human rights lawyers who help clients seek justice without any fees. Given below are some frequently asked questions for lawyers for human rights in India.

FAQs for Human Rights Advocates

Q- How to become a human rights lawyer in India?

A- The scope of human rights is too vast. Hence, their violation and means of protection also extend to a certain degree as compared to other laws. Thus, a graduate, apart from having a law degree, needs thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Human rights advocates should be aware of the prevailing international laws, domestic laws in support of human rights, the special or regular courts dealing with matters, case laws supporting the contention and procedural formalities.

Q- What is the job of a human rights lawyer?

A- The main task dealt with by human rights advocates is to protect violation of basic human rights and avail legal remedies for the victims. They provide legal aid to their clients, prepare documentation to represent before the courts, research to strengthen the case legally, convince the courts regarding the purported human rights violation, etc. Sometimes, pro bono human rights lawyers do not charge their clients anything while serving humanity.

Q- What do international human rights lawyers do?

A- When it comes to International lawyers protecting human rights, they usually handle matters before international courts like the European Court of Human Rights or the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. International human rights advocates might also be engaged with organizations like Amnesty International, Human Watch, etc. specifically serving the human rights violations. The main job of international human rights lawyers is to represent victims of human rights infringement with cross-border elements before the relevant courts of law.

Q- What is human rights lawyer fees?

A- The amount of fees charged by famous human rights lawyers is not fixed anywhere. It may depend upon the expertise and success rate which an advocate for human rights holds. There are some pro bono human rights lawyers as well who do not charge anything while dealing with cases of sheer human rights violation.