Morning Star Textbook Solutions: Universal Declaration of Human Rights | History and Civics Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

Very Short Questions

Q1: What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Ans: The Universal Declaration is the initial global definition of human rights.

Q2: When is the Human Rights Day celebrated?
Ans: Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th every year, starting from 1950.

Q3: How many Articles are there in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Ans: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights contains 30 Articles, including the Preamble. Articles 1 and 2 serve as the foundation for all other rights.

Q4: Which Articles deal with the civil and political rights?
Ans: Articles 3 to 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights address civil and political rights.

Q5: Which year was declared to be the International Year of Human Rights?
Ans: 1968 was designated as the International Year of Human Rights.

Q6: What did the Declaration of Human Rights affirm?
Ans: It confirms the importance of social progress and improved living standards in greater freedom.

Q7: Name two organizations, which fight for Human Rights.
Ans: Two organizations that fight for Human Rights are:
(i) Amnesty International
(ii) U.N. Human Rights Commission.

Q8: When did the UN General Assembly adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Ans: The UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10th, 1948.

Q9: When is the International Day of Solidarity with struggling people of South Africa declared?
Ans: June 26th, the anniversary of the SOWETO uprising in 1976, was declared by the UNO as the International Day of Solidarity with the people of South Africa.

Q10: When was the Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners celebrated by UNO?
Ans: October 11th, 1976 was observed as the Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners.

Q11: Where was Apartheid followed upto 1994?
Ans: Apartheid was practiced in the Republic of South Africa until 1994.

Short Questions I

Q1: What is the importance of Articles 1 and 2.
Ans: (i) These Articles are crucial because they emphasize the equality of all human beings.
(ii) They are significant as the denial of these basic Human Rights leads to social and political instability, fostering conflict and violence both within and between societies and nations.

Q2: Name any four Human Rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which have been incorporated in the Constitution of India.
Ans: (i) Rights of equality, 
(ii) Right to freedom, 
(iii) Right to constitutional remedies, 
(iv) Cultural and educational rights.

Q3: How does the UN keeps a check on violations of Human Rights by member States.
Ans: The UN Human Rights Commission and its sub-commission on preventing discrimination and protecting minorities meet annually to address complaints. The General Assembly may impose sanctions or an economic blockade against a state violating Human Rights.

Q4: How has the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights influenced the Fundamental Rights contained in the Indian Constitution?
Ans: The first five Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution were inspired by the U.N. Charter's Bill of Rights. It is mandatory for all member states of the United Nations to ensure these basic rights for their citizens.

Q5: Who was the first UN High Commissioner for Human Rights? When was he appointed and for what purpose?
Ans: The first UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Joshe Ayala Lasso of Ecuador, was appointed on 14th February 1994. He worked to combat widespread discrimination against women and children worldwide.

Q6: What functions does the Centre of Human Rights perform?
Ans: The Centre supports the United Nations organs in promoting and protecting human rights, conducts research, and disseminates human rights information. It also has various branches that assist different bodies in performing their functions, including a communication branch that handles alleged human rights violations.

Q7: What is meant by Apartheid?
Ans: Apartheid refers to the official policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the White Government of South Africa against non-Whites. It is based on the belief that Whites are superior to non-Whites and is considered a crime against humanity, incompatible with the UN Charter.

Q8: With reference to Human Rights write any four Civil Rights.
Ans: Civil Rights:
(i) All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
(ii) Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman treatment.
(iii) Right to movement and the right to seek asylum.
(iv) Freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Q9: With reference to the Human Rights, write any two Civil Rights.
Ans: Cultural Rights:
(i) The right to participate in the cultural life of the community.
(ii) The right to protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary, or artistic work the individual has created.

Q10: Why was it necessary to bring about the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’?
Ans: The Declaration was needed to establish a common standard of achievement for all individuals and nations. It encourages societies to respect and promote these rights through education and progressive measures at both national and international levels.

Q11: Where is the Centre for Human Rights? What do you know about its composition?
Ans: The Centre for Human Rights is located at Geneva, in Switzerland. It is headed by the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights and five branches and the office of High Commissioner.

Short Questions II

Q1: Why was it necessary to bring about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Ans: Before and during World War II, the Fascist and Nazi regimes in Italy and Germany committed severe atrocities against the Jewish people and violated the fundamental rights of those under their control. This sparked a significant movement advocating for the protection of human rights. Following the war, the UN Charter emphasized the protection of fundamental human rights, which led the UN General Assembly to adopt the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ on December 10, 1948.

Q2: What is meant by the term ‘Human Rights’?
Ans: Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. They are essential for personal well-being and are rooted in the inherent dignity of each person. The 1789 French Declaration of the Rights of Man referred to these rights as ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.’ Fundamental human rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Q3: How has the UN Charter dealt with the problem of Human Rights?
Ans: While the UN Charter does not have a separate section dedicated to Human Rights, it does make multiple references to them. Article 1 of the Charter states that the United Nations aims to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination based on race, sex, language, or religion.

Q4: When was the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ adopted?
Ans: The United Nations Commission on Human Rights drafted the principles for human rights, creating a common standard for all nations. The General Assembly adopted the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ on December 10, 1948, marking the first declaration of its kind.

Q5: What do Articles 28 to 30 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights deal with?
Ans: Articles 28 and 30 affirm everyone’s right to a social and international order where the human rights outlined in the Declaration can be fully realized. These rights may be restricted only to ensure the respect and recognition of the rights and freedoms of others. These articles also outline duties and responsibilities individuals have toward their communities.

Q6: What do you understand by the ‘Right to Protection’ by law?
Ans: The Right to Protection by law includes the right to be recognized as a person before the law, access to judicial remedies, freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile, the right to a fair and public trial by an independent and impartial tribunal, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. It also ensures protection from arbitrary interference with one’s privacy, family, home, correspondence, and reputation.

Q7: What is meant by Racial Discrimination?
Ans: Racial Discrimination, as defined by the 1965 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, refers to any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, color, descent, national, or ethnic origin. Such actions undermine the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms, thereby impairing equality in political, economic, social, cultural, or other areas of public life.

Q8: With reference to Human Rights, Write any four economic Rights.
Ans: Economic Rights include: 
(i) The right to social security.
(ii) The right to work.
(iii) The right to equal pay for equal work.
(iv) The right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one’s family.

Q9: What did the Declaration on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination stand for?
Ans: Adopted in 1963 by the General Assembly, the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination aimed to combat racism and apartheid, particularly in South Africa. It stated that discrimination based on race, color, or ethnic origin is an affront to human dignity, violates the principles of the UN Charter, breaches the rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and hinders peaceful relations between nations.

Q10: What are the important conventions adopted by the General Assembly?
Ans: The United Nations has played a significant role in advancing human rights and freedoms. Some important conventions adopted by the General Assembly include the Convention on Genocide (1948), the Convention on Political Rights of Women (1952), the Convention on Slavery (1956), the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (1965), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

Q11: When was the ‘International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Dis-crimination’ adopted and to what purpose?
Or
In 1963, the General Assembly adopted the ‘UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. What did it affirm?
Ans: The General Assembly adopted the ‘International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination’ in December, 1965. The convention came into force in 1969 and as its name suggests called for an end to Racial Discrimination in all its forms. It was mandatory for the States who ratified it.

Q12: State two steps taken by the UN for elimination of racial discrimination in South Africa.
Ans: The UN passed several resolutions banning Racial Discrimination. In 1974 the Assembly established an 18 member committee known as “Special Committee against Apartheid”. It implemented resolutions of the UN as to the boycott of South Africa in the spheres of sports and culture in 1977. The International Conference on Sanctions against South Africa (Paris, May 1981) called for the imposition of sanctions against South Africa and international action to isolate her.

Q13: State two steps taken by the Government of South Africa to bring down Apartheid.
Ans: The new President of South Africa, President F.W. De Clerk in 1989, realized that the policy of Apartheid had failed, and began a process of bringing down Apartheid. In June 1991 he scrapped one of the most hated Apartheid law—The Population Registration Act. The Group Areas Act which had set separate areas for the settlement of different races and the lands Act was also abolished. The President signed a “National Peace Accord” with the major political parties to create a right climate for negotiations.

Q14: What do you know about Massacre at Sharpville?
Ans: Massacre at Sharpville took place on 21st March, 1960 when South African police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting against the requirement that all Africans carry ‘reference books’. Consequently 69 persons died and 180 were injured. This incident brought the intervention of UNO the issue of Apartheid in South Africa, beckoned to do so, on the request of 29 African and Asian countries.

Q15: When was the Declaration of the Rights of Child adopted? What did it stand for?
Ans: The Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the General Assembly in 1989. It affirmed the right of children to special protection, opportunity, facilities for a healthy normal development. These rights got legal binding with the adoption of the Convention of the Rights of the Child by the General Assembly in 1989. A committee was set up to implement and investigate violation of children’s rights.

Q16: What steps have been taken for protecting Women’s Rights?
Ans: In 1979, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which was ratified by all countries. This convention has become the primary instrument for safeguarding women's rights. Prior to this, a commission dedicated to the status of women was established in 1946 to promote women’s rights in political, economic, social, and educational sectors.

Q17: Which commission was set up on the status of women. What are its main functions.
Ans: Commission on the Status of Women: The Commission on the Status of Women, established in 1946 by the UN Economic and Social Council, has 45 members. Its key functions include:
(i) Eliminating discrimination against women in areas such as education, employment, health, marriage, and family life.
(ii) Enhancing the status of the girl child.

Q18: Write a short note on Human Rights Committee.
Ans: Human Rights Committee: The Human Rights Committee is responsible for ensuring the enforcement of Human Rights outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Composed of 18 members, the committee’s term lasts for four years. Member countries must submit reports detailing actions taken to uphold Civil and Political Rights. If the matter referred to the committee remains unresolved, a Conciliation Commission may be formed. Member nations must cooperate fully with the Commission.

Q19: Give three reasons for the importance of Human Rights today.
Ans: Universal Human Rights hold significance for various reasons:
(i) The right to freedom of speech and expression allows individuals to openly discuss issues for the collective benefit of society.
(ii) The right to judicial remedy enables citizens to seek legal redress if their rights are violated by the government, individuals, or organizations.
(iii) The right to vote and participate in one’s country’s government ensures the political rights of citizens.

Q20: With reference to organisation fighting for Human Rights, write short notes on the following UN Human Rights Commission.
Ans: The UN Human Rights Commission, formed by the Economic and Social Council, held its first full session in January 1947. It was tasked with drafting an International Bill of Human Rights. The bill, created by the Commission, was presented to the General Assembly and adopted on December 10, 1948. The Commission has several working groups focused on investigating human rights issues in various countries.

Q21: State one of the steps taken by the UNO for effective implementation of the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’.
Ans: To ensure the effective implementation of the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights,' the Economic and Social Council established the Human Rights Commission in 1946. This body proposed recommendations, investigations, and reports on human rights issues, which were submitted to the General Assembly through the Council.

Q22: What functions are to be performed by the High Commissioner Office on Human Rights?
Ans: The High Commissioner for Human Rights is primarily responsible for overseeing human rights activities under the United Nations Secretary-General’s guidance. Apart from ensuring the enjoyment of civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights, the High Commissioner is also tasked with promoting and fostering international cooperation for the protection and advancement of human rights.

Long Questions

Q1: What are the economic, social and cultural rights? Mention the Articles containing them?
Ans: Articles 22 to 27 address economic, social, and cultural rights, including:
(i) The right to social security.
(ii) The right to work, equal pay for equal work, and the right to join and form trade unions.
(iii) The right to rest and leisure.
(iv) The right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being.
(v) The right to education.
(vi) The right to participate in the cultural life of the community.

Q2: What do Articles 1 and 2 of the Declaration of Human Rights state?
Ans: Article 1 states that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." These rights are inherent in human beings due to their moral and rational nature, entitling them to equality everywhere.
Article 2 affirms that "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, including race, color, sex, language, religion, political opinion, or any other status," and no discrimination based on a person's country or territory is allowed.

Q3: What were the International Convention of Human Rights?
Ans: On December 16, 1966, the General Assembly adopted three International Covenants on Human Rights:
(i) The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
(ii) The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
(iii) The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
These covenants, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were ratified by 35 states and came into effect in 1976, forming the International Bill of Human Rights.

Q4:  With reference to the Declaration of Human Rights, explain the importance of the Rights.
Ans: The Universal Rights are significant as they address the political and social inequalities that have plagued humanity for centuries. Before their declaration, practices like slavery, racial discrimination, and denial of women's voting rights were widespread. The Declaration seeks to eliminate these injustices and urges governments to reform laws to uphold these principles, creating a more equitable society globally.

Q5: Mention some of the important civil and political rights granted in the Declaration.
Ans: Key civil and political rights include:
(i) Right to life, liberty, and security.
(ii) Freedom from slavery and servitude.
(iii) Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
(iv) Right to legal protection and free access to the law.
(v) Freedom of movement, the right to asylum, and the right to nationality.
(vi) Right to marry, own property, and participate in the political process.

Q6: Mention any four political rights and social rights each, in context to the Human Rights.
Ans: Political Rights:
(i) Right to participate in government.
(ii) Right to equal access to public services.
(iii) Right to nationality.
(iv) Right to seek asylum.
Social Rights:
(i) Right to marry.
(ii) Right to education.
(iii) Education promoting understanding, tolerance, and friendship among nations.
(iv) Family protection by society and the state.

Q7: Write in brief about the Human Rights Commissions and its role.
Ans: Many countries, like India, have established Human Rights Commissions to better protect rights. The Indian Human Rights Commission, formed in 1993, is tasked with investigating violations, reviewing acts obstructing rights, promoting research, supporting NGOs, and exercising civil court powers to summon witnesses and accept evidence.

Q8: When the first High Commissioner was appointed. What are the main functions of High Commissioner?
Ans: The High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1993, with the first appointment in 1994. The High Commissioner’s functions include ensuring civil, political, and social rights, assisting the Human Rights Centre, fostering international cooperation for human rights, and coordinating efforts of UN agencies working on human rights.

Q9: With reference to Human Rights Commission describe the role Amnesty International.
Ans: Amnesty International: Amnesty International, founded by Peter Benenson, is a global non-political organization dedicated to human rights. Its objectives include:
(i) Reporting and publicizing human rights abuses.
(ii) Advocating for political prisoners’ freedom.
(iii) Ensuring fair trials for political prisoners.
(iv) Supporting international agencies protecting freedom of thought and religion.
(v) Preventing torture and executions.

Q10: State any two specific instances of human rights violations according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ans: Instances of Human Rights Violations:
(i) South Africa - Apartheid: The racial segregation policy subjected Black South Africans to systemic violations of their basic human rights in political, economic, and social domains, despite UN sanctions and resolutions.
(ii) Afghanistan: From the 1970s through the rise of the Taliban, Afghanistan saw widespread human rights violations, including violence, plundering, and repression of women. Even after the Taliban's fall, challenges in food, employment, and human rights protection persist.

Q11: Point out some of the pressure tactics used by UNO with South Africa to give up the policy of Apartheid?
Ans: The Security Council took the following actions after the issue of the Sharpeville Massacre on 21st March 1960, was brought to its attention by 29 African and Asian countries:
(i) It urged the South African Government to end its policy of Apartheid.
(ii) A Trust Fund was established to offer relief to those suffering under South Africa’s discriminatory laws.
(iii) 21st March was declared as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to commemorate the Sharpeville incident.
(iv) In 1967, the United Nations Educational and Training Programme for Southern Africa offered scholarships to black students from South Africa, Namibia, and Southern Rhodesia for overseas study and training.
(v) The General Assembly encouraged states to sever diplomatic, official, and economic ties with South Africa.
(vi) On 30th November 1973, the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid was adopted by the General Assembly, making Apartheid an international crime.
(vii) In 1974, the General Assembly rejected South Africa’s credentials and recommended its exclusion from all UN-related conferences and organizations unless it abandoned Apartheid.
(viii) 11th October 1976 was designated as the Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners in protest against the shooting of demonstrators in Soweto in June 1976, which resulted in the deaths of many Africans, including children.
(ix) On 4th November 1977, an arms embargo against South Africa was made mandatory.
(x) In December 1977, the International Declaration against Apartheid in Sports was adopted, urging states to sever sports-related contacts with countries practicing Apartheid.

Q12: Bring out the differences between Racial Discrimination and Apartheid.
Ans: Racial discrimination refers to any distinction, exclusion, or restriction based on race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin, which undermines or prevents equal enjoyment of human rights. It restricts fundamental freedoms in political, economic, social, cultural, or public life.
Apartheid, on the other hand, is a state-enforced system of racial segregation practiced in South Africa. Under Apartheid, black and colored South Africans, who were the majority, were denied fundamental rights and freedoms. They were excluded from political participation and subjected to repressive laws. Social facilities were racially segregated, including schools, hospitals, transportation, and public amenities. Interracial marriages were prohibited, and the white minority considered themselves superior to non-whites.

Q13: Which organ of the UN fights for human Right? Explain.
Ans: The United Nations has established various specialized agencies to implement human rights programs across the world, focusing on different communities, including minorities, women, and children. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), set up in 1946, plays a key role in monitoring the violation of universal human rights and working towards a free world for all people.
ECOSOC created the “Commission on Human Rights,” which investigates, submits proposals, and makes recommendations related to human rights issues to the General Assembly. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Commission addresses complaints from one country against another for violating human rights treaties. The Commission has been instrumental in: 
(i) Preventing arbitrary detention
(ii) Eliminating racial discrimination
(iii) Protecting the rights of women, children, minorities, disabled persons, and workers.

Q14: Discuss the role of Non-Government organisations.
Ans: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in safeguarding human rights by working alongside governments to eliminate the exploitation of workers, children, and women. Their main functions include: 
(i) Raising public awareness about human rights abuses.
(ii) Highlighting issues such as bonded labor, child exploitation, and violence against women.
(iii) In countries like India, NGOs such as the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) have provided relief to victims of human rights violations, especially in regions like Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
(iv) The Red Cross, a globally recognized NGO, offers relief to those suffering from human rights violations and disasters.

Picture Based Questions

Q1: Answer the following:
(i) Identify the person in the picture given alongside.
(ii) With what movement this person was associated? Why he was arrested?

Ans: (i) Nelson Mandela
(ii) This person was associated with Apartheid (Racial Discrimination) movement. He was arrested because of his struggle to achieve freedom and equal rights for every South African.