Class 12 Section II English Lesson 17

Understanding the text

a. What is the first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations?

Ans 👉 The first human rights declaration adopted by the United Nations is the mobilization for economic and social rights. It was the beginning of the global effort to ensure that every human being enjoys equal dignity and freedom regardless of race, gender, or nationality. This declaration became the foundation for many future human rights movements around the world.

b. When is Human Rights Day observed?

Ans 👉 Human Rights Day is observed on 10th December every year. This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. On this day, people all over the world celebrate the importance of equality, justice, and respect for all individuals.

c. What is the goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Ans 👉 The goal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to assure the most basic entitlements and key values of human welfare and rights such as equality, dignity, freedom, fairness, and respect. It aims to assert justice and peace in the world alongside the foundation of freedom. The declaration also promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among nations to build a peaceful global community.

d. What are two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights about that of political economy?

Ans 👉 The two big stages that involve writing the history of human rights about that of the political economy include the heroic age of national welfare after the condition of World War II and the bitter enemies of the new cold war era in 1948. These stages reflect how human rights evolved as societies changed politically and economically, ensuring the protection of people’s freedoms despite global conflicts.

e. What are the facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of Rights”?

Ans 👉 The facts that have been missed in Roosevelt’s call for a “second Bill of Rights” are:

• It marked a provincial America’s late and cautious entry into a North Atlantic consensus which was already foreordained.

• His highest promise was “special privileges for the few” instead of protection of the masses which created a ceiling of inequality.

• He hoped that it would help the globe, but it was organized nationally instead of being organized internationally.
  This shows that even though his intentions were good, his plan lacked global vision and practical equality for all.

f. Write the truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories.

Ans 👉 The truth expressed in Herodotus’s Histories is to assure global and local socio-economic justice. It emphasizes that equality can only be achieved through fair distribution of wealth and opportunities. It would require redistribution from rich to poor by novel forms of legal activism and fair policies. This truth reminds us that justice and humanity must always go hand in hand.

g. Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights important to you?

Ans 👉 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important to me as it assures the basic rights of humans and provides justice, equality, and equity for all human beings equally. It aims to remove injustice, partiality, discrimination, inequality, and other inhuman behaviors from society. It also gives people hope and strength to live freely with dignity and respect. The declaration inspires us to protect the rights of others and contribute to creating a fair and peaceful world.

Reference to the context

a. Does the essay give ways on how to stigmatize inequality? Explain.

Ans 👉 The essay “Human Rights and the Age of Inequality” written by Samuel Moyn is about how the concept of human rights arose and what it brought to human welfare. The essay focuses on the stigmatization of inequality rather than giving specific ways on how to stigmatize inequality. History shows us that there are wrong kinds of agents who are not fearful enough to provoke redistribution. Surely, opponents will arise someday if inequality grows like this. Thus, the need for justice and equality is in demand. So, the new human rights movement sorted from different views for the common people can bring and justify social equality and liberation. It is very necessary to remove partiality and discrimination by proper supervision, monitoring, and enacting strict laws. For the welfare of common people and all human beings, inequality must be removed as it is believed to be a stigma for society. The essay therefore urges us to rethink how we treat others and to build systems that promote fairness in all aspects of life.

b. Is another human rights movement necessary? Why?

Ans 👉 In my opinion, another human rights movement is necessary. Also, as the essayist finds that human rights are functioning under different political and economic suppressions, I agree on that point. He wishes to see another human rights movement in the coming days due to many reasons. The people with political and economic power and in higher positions are violating the law. In human affairs, inequality has been contained. The practice of nepotism and favoritism is still in use and it has suppressed different new ideas and talents. Moreover, political and social hegemony is still prevalent. Laws and rights are only documented rather than taken into practice. The classification of society based on their economic conditions like rich or poor has brought injustice and inequality. Thus, the need for another human rights movement is true. It is required to raise awareness, promote justice, and ensure that human rights are not only written on paper but also practiced in daily life to create a more just and equal world.