'Human Rights will be the future of politics'

Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) Chairman Justice D H Waghela said, “We will not be a civilised society unless we recognise the rights of others.”

He was speaking after inaugurating a day-long training programme on ‘Fundamentals of Human Rights,’ held at St Agnes College (Autonomous) on Monday. The programme was organised by the Department of Political Science of the college.

“Those who value their rights should respect the rights of others, to prevent violation of human rights.”

Justice Waghela, former chief justice of Karnataka High Court, said there was a lack of awareness among the educated about the value and importance of human rights. Nowadays, families witness gross violation of human rights. “Police themselves are guilty of violating human rights,” he said.

There is gross discrimination in courts also, Justice Waghela admitted. “Human Rights will be the future of politics,” he said. The fundamental rights and human rights will set the agenda for all political parties. Human rights have been accorded high sanctity because they are fundamental for progress.

“Protection of human rights ensures progress of society and individuals,” he said. Justice Waghela appealed the youth to assert their rights and help others to assert their rights. The moral duty of a good citizen is not to impinge on the rights of others, he stressed.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said Sr M Jeswina, Principal, St Agnes College, while presiding over the programme.

Pulwama killing

Justice Waghela described the Pulwama killing by terrorists as a gross violation of the rights of Jawans. “It is very unfortunate that after enjoying the rights of a citizen, the terrorist takes the lives of our protectors.”

He said a workshop needs to be conducted for advocates and judges to create awareness that the first additional district sessions court in every district is being designated as a Human Rights Court.

On stipend not being released to victims of endosulfan poisoning, he promised to look into it. “My own staff in SHRC were not paid salaries for some months due to glitches in the software,” he said.