Course

Unit 1

Concepts and theoretical background

Definitions, characteristics, and philosophical foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice. Theories of Justice and Equality; emerging perspectives on intersectionality and inclusivity.

Unit 2

International human rights standards

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); Covenants of 1966; conventions on racial, gender, and sexual    minority rights; UN bodies (UNICEF, UNHCR, UNESCO) in promoting justice for displaced populations.

Unit 3

Human rights movements in India

Unit III: Human Rights Movements in India – National freedom movement; Dalit, women’s, environmental, and LGBTQ+ movements; contemporary struggles of refugees and migrants.
Human Rights Act 1993 , Human Rights and Technology

Unit 4

Social justice in India

Constitutional guarantees; rights of women, children, elderly, minorities, differently abled, and displaced persons; role of social institutions in ensuring equality and inclusion

Unit 5

Contemporary Human Rights Issues

Contemporary Human Rights Issues – Climate change and environmental justice; digital surveillance and privacy; ethical dilemmas of AI in human rights; social work responses to violations.

Text Books / References

Textbooks: 

1. Avatthi Ramaiah, The Withering Social Justice in India: A Case for Diversity, 
2. Desai, A.R.: Repression and Resistance in India: Violation of Democratic Rights of theWorking Class, Rural Poor, Adivasis and Dalits, Bombay Popular Prakashan, 1990
3. Nagel T., (2005), ‘The Problem of Global Justice’, Philosophy & Public Affairs 33: 113-

Suggested readings:

1. Oliver Menderlsohn: The Rights of the Subordinated People and
2. Kalaiah A. B., Edited by Subramanya T. R., Human Rights in International Law.
3. Robertson, A. H., (1972) Human Rights in the World, Manchester University Press
4. Henkin Louis. (1978) The Rights of Man Today, Stevens and Sons, London.
5. BalkrishnanPulapre, Globalization, Growth and Justice, EPW, XXXVI, July 26, 2003, pp3166-3172 
6. Miller D. , (1999), ‘Justice and Global Inequality’, in A. Hurrell and N. Woods (eds.)(1999), 
7. BardhanPranab, ‘Social Justice in the Global Economy’, EPW, XXXVI, Feb 3-10, 2001, pp467-480 
8. SenguptaArjun, ‘Right to Development as a Human Right’, EPW, XXXVI, July 7, 2001, pp467-480
9. Stephen Marks, Introduction to “The Right to Development: A Primer”, Sage , NewDelhi, 2003,
10. South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre-SAHRDC. (2006) Introducing Human New Delhi, Oxford University Press
11. Aswini Kant Gautam. (2001) Human Rights and Justice System. New Delhi, A. P. H.Publishing Corporation.
12. Narang, A S. (2000) Indian Government and Politics. New Delhi, Geethanjali PublishingHouse

The course Human Rights and Social Justice introduces students to the historical evolution and philosophical foundations of human rights, with a focus on their relevance to social work practice. It provides an understanding of constitutional provisions and legal frameworks related to human rights and social justice, particularly within the Indian context. The course equips learners with essential advocacy skills to address human rights violations and promote equity and dignity. Emphasis is placed on developing an integrated and rights-based approach to social work practice. Through this course, students are prepared to uphold human rights principles while engaging with individuals, groups, and communities in diverse social settings.

Course Objectives:

1. To orient about the origin and development of Human Rights.
2. To develop knowledge about the constitutional provisions relating to Human Rights and Social justice.
3. To acquire advocacy skills to deal with several matters relating to Human Rights.
4. To develop an integrated approach to Social Work practice to uphold Human Rights and Social Justice.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Get familiarized with the origin and development of Human Rights. 
• CO2: Develop knowledge about the constitutional provisions relating to Human Rights and Social Justice.
• CO3: Acquire advocacy skills to deal with several matters relating to Human Rights.
• CO4: Able to develop an integrated approach to Social Work practice to uphold Human Rights and Social justice

CO-PO Mappings