HUMAN

RIGHTS
Aneesa Mushtaq (006)
Eisha Iman (018)
Muhammad Babar
(043)
Irfanullah Affan (069)
Introduction
Definition: Human rights are basic rights and
freedoms that belong to every person, regardless
of nationality, gender, ethnicity, or other status.
Human rights are based on values like dignity,
fairness, equality, and respect.
They are enshrined in international documents such
as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1948.
Purpose
The primary purpose of human rights is to
protect individuals from abuses and ensure that
every person has the freedom to live a life of
dignity and equality. These rights are essential
for creating a fair and just society, promoting
peace, and fostering social and economic
Universal Nature
development.
Human rights are universal, meaning they
apply to everyone, everywhere, at all times.
They are inalienable, meaning they cannot be
taken away or denied, and indivisible,
 Types Of Human Rights
1) Civil and Political Rights: These rights protect individuals' freedoms and ensure their participation in political life.
 Right to life and liberty.
 Freedom from torture and inhumane treatment.
 Freedom of speech, assembly, and association.

2) Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: These rights ensure individuals can achieve an adequate standard of living and participate in society.
 Right to education, work and fair wages.
 Right to health and access to medical care.
 Right to participate in cultural life and enjoy the benefits of scientific progress.

3) Collective Rights: These rights are held by groups rather than individuals and focus on preserving the identity and culture of communities.
 Right to self-determination.
 Right to development.
 Environmental rights, such as the right to a healthy environment.

4) Rights to Justice:
 Right to a fair trial and legal representation.
 Protection from arbitrary arrest and detention.
 Right to seek and obtain justice through competent tribunals.

5) Equality and Non-discrimination:

 Equal protection under the law.
 Prohibition of discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other status.
 Rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

6) Environmental Rights:
 Right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
 Right to access information and participate in environmental decision-making.
 Protection from environmental harm and degradation.
 Importance Of Human Rights

1) Protection of Individual Dignity: Human rights recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. They
ensure that people are treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their background or circumstances.
2) Foundation for Freedom and Equality: Human rights form the basis of freedom and equality. They protect people
from discrimination and ensure equal access to opportunities, services, and resources.
3) Promotion of Peace and Stability: Respecting human rights helps to prevent conflicts and violence. Societies that
uphold human rights are more likely to be peaceful and stable, as they provide mechanisms for addressing grievances and
ensuring justice.
4) Social Progress and Development: Human rights contribute to social and economic development by ensuring that
people have access to education, healthcare, and employment. They empower individuals to participate fully in society
and contribute to its progress.
5) Legal and Moral Framework: Human rights provide a legal and moral framework for governments, organizations, and
individuals. They set standards for acceptable behavior and help to hold violators accountable through laws and
institutions.
 Causes Of Human Rights Violations
1) Political Factors:

• Authoritarianism: Governments with unchecked power often suppress dissent and violate rights to maintain control.
• Discrimination: Systemic discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and other identities can lead to rights violations.

2) Economic Factors:

• Poverty: Economic inequality and poverty limit access to essential services like education and healthcare, infringing on social and economic rights.
• Exploitation: Poor labor practices, including forced labor and child labor, violate workers' rights and dignity.

3) Social Factors:

• Cultural Norms: Harmful cultural practices, such as gender-based violence and child marriage, perpetuate human rights abuses.
• Lack of Education: Limited education can prevent individuals from understanding and asserting their rights.

4) Environmental Factors:

• Resource Exploitation: Over-exploitation of natural resources can lead to displacement, environmental degradation, and violations of indigenous peoples' rights.
• Climate Change: Environmental changes can exacerbate vulnerabilities and lead to new human rights challenges.

5) Legal and Institutional Factors:

• Weak Legal Systems: Inadequate legal frameworks and lack of enforcement mechanisms can result in impunity for human rights violators.
• Corruption: Corruption undermines the rule of law and perpetuates a culture of impunity.

6) Technological Factors:

• Surveillance: Advances in technology can be misused to infringe on privacy and freedom of expression.
• Digital Divide: Inequitable access to technology can exacerbate existing inequalities.
 1) Social Identity Theory;
• People categorize themselves and others into social groups.

T
• This can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination.

2) Moral Foundations Theory;

H • Human morality is based on five foundations: care/harm,
fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, and
E sanctity/degradation.
• Explains why people prioritize certain human rights over others.
O 3) Cognitive Dissonance Theory;

R • People experience discomfort when holding conflicting beliefs or

attitudes.

I
• This theory examines how individuals reconcile their actions with their
beliefs about human rights.

E 4) Humanistic Psychology;
• Emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of individuals.
S • Aligns with human rights principles, advocating for respect and
fulfillment of each person's potential.

5) Psychodynamic Theory;
• Explores unconscious motivations behind behavior.
• Helps understand psychological factors contributing to human rights
1)
Role Of Forensic Psychologist
Evaluating Torture and Ill-Treatment:
 Assessing individuals who have been subjected to torture, abuse, or inhumane treatment.
 Providing psychological evaluations and documentation for use in legal proceedings and human rights investigations.

2) Advocating for Vulnerable Populations:

 Working with marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking, to ensure their rights are
protected.
 Conducting assessments to identify psychological needs and providing expert testimony to support claims for protection and asylum.

3) Training and Education:

 Educating law enforcement, legal professionals, and human rights activists on the psychological impact of human rights violations.
 Training professionals on ethical practices and the importance of protecting human rights in their work.

4) Research and Policy Development:

 Conducting research on the psychological effects of human rights violations and contributing to the development of policies and practices that
promote human rights.
 Providing insights into the causes and consequences of human rights abuses to inform policy decisions and advocacy efforts.

5) Monitoring and Reporting:

 Participating in human rights monitoring missions and investigations to document psychological harm and provide evidence of human rights
abuses.
 Collaborating with international organizations, such as the United Nations, to report on human rights conditions and advocate for change.

6) Rehabilitation and Support:

 Offering therapeutic interventions and support to survivors of human rights abuses, helping them recover and reintegrate into society.
 Developing programs and services that address the psychological needs of survivors and promote their well-being.

7) Ensuring Fair Treatment:

 Assessing the mental competency of individuals involved in legal proceedings to ensure they receive fair treatment and justice.
 Providing expert testimony on psychological factors that may impact a defendant's behavior and legal outcomes.
 Specific Types Of Forensic Assessments
1) Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations:
• MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT-CA): Assesses defendants' understanding of legal
proceedings and their ability to assist in their defense.
2) Criminal Responsibility Assessments;
• Mental State at the Time of Offense (MSO) Assessments: Evaluates the defendant's mental state during the commission of
the crime to determine legal responsibility.
3) Risk Assessments:
• Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG): Predicts the likelihood of future violent behavior based on historical and
psychological factors.
4) Child Custody Evaluations:
• Child Custody Evaluation (CCE): Comprehensive assessment of the child's needs, parental capabilities, and the family
dynamics to determine the best custody arrangement.
5) Trauma Assessments:
• Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS): Assesses the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in
individuals who have experienced trauma.
6) Forensic Interviews:
• Forensic Child Interview Protocol: Structured interviews designed to gather accurate information from children in a non-
leading and supportive manner.
7) Expert Testimony
• Daubert Standard: A legal standard used to determine the admissibility of expert testimony based on the relevance and
reliability of the evidence.
8) Cultural Competency Assessments:
• Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI): Assesses cultural factors that may influence an individual's mental health and
behavior.
9) Rehabilitation and Treatment Planning:
• Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID): Assesses and diagnoses mental disorders to inform treatment
planning and rehabilitation efforts.
 National Human Rights Laws (Pakistan)
1) Constitution of Pakistan (1973):
• Part II: Fundamental Rights
• Articles 8-28: Rights to life, liberty, equality, freedom of speech, etc.
2) Pakistan Penal Code (PPC):
• Criminalization of human rights violations like slavery, torture, child labor.
3) The Protection of Human Rights Act (2012):
• Establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
4) Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act (2011):
• Legal measures against honor killings, forced marriages, etc.
5) The Hudood Ordinance (1979):
• Laws addressing issues like adultery and theft; controversial in relation to women's
rights.
6) The Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (2000):
• Protection of children’s rights within the justice system.
7) The Anti-Terrorism Act (1997):
• Laws related to terrorism, counter-terrorism, and human rights concerns.
 International Human Rights Laws
and Codes
1) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (1948)
• Core international document outlining basic human rights.
2) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966)
• Protection of civil and political rights such as the right to life and freedom of expression.
3) International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) (1966)
• Rights to education, health, and an adequate standard of living.
4) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) (1965)
• Focus on the elimination of racial discrimination.
5) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW) (1979)
• Aims for gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women.
6) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989)
• Focus on children's rights, including protection from exploitation and access to education.
7) International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute (1998)
• Defines and criminalizes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
 Case Study

Case Study 1: Enforced Disappearances

Background: Enforced disappearances have been a significant human rights issue in Pakistan, with numerous cases reported over the years. Families of the disappeared
often face immense psychological trauma and uncertainty.

Forensic Psychology Involvement: Forensic psychologists have been involved in assessing the psychological impact on the families of the disappeared. They
conduct interviews and psychological evaluations to document the mental health effects and provide evidence in court to support human rights claims1. Their expertise helps in
understanding the trauma experienced by the families and advocating for their rights.

Outcome: The involvement of forensic psychologists has led to increased awareness and documentation of the psychological impact of enforced disappearances. This has
contributed to ongoing efforts to address the issue and seek justice for the victims and their families.

Case Study 2: Juvenile Justice

Background: Juvenile offenders in Pakistan often face challenges within the legal system, including mental health and behavioral issues that need to be addressed to ensure
their rehabilitation and protection of their rights.

Forensic Psychology Involvement: Forensic psychologists work with juvenile offenders to assess their mental health and behavioral issues. They provide counseling
and rehabilitation programs tailored to the needs of young offenders1. Their assessments help in determining the appropriate interventions and ensuring that the rights of juvenile
offenders are protected within the legal system.

Outcome: The involvement of forensic psychologists in the juvenile justice system has led to more effective rehabilitation programs and better protection of the rights of
young offenders. Their work helps in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency and promoting positive outcomes for the youth.
 Case Study
Background:
Safia Bano, along with others, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in February 2021. The appellants argued that their mental illness was not adequately considered during their
trials, which led to unfair sentencing1.

Forensic Psychology Involvement:

Forensic psychologists conducted comprehensive psychological assessments of the appellants, including Safia Bano. These assessments provided crucial evidence of their mental health
conditions, which were not properly evaluated during their initial trials1. The psychologists' reports highlighted the severity of the mental illnesses and their impact on the appellants' ability
to understand the legal proceedings and their sentences.

Legal Proceedings:
The Supreme Court reviewed the case and acknowledged the importance of considering mental health in legal proceedings. The court emphasized the need for proper legal procedures to be
followed when dealing with mentally ill individuals1. The court heard arguments from both the appellants and the state, with forensic psychologists providing expert testimony on the mental
health of the appellants.

Outcome:
The Supreme Court ruled that no death sentence should be carried out if a condemned prisoner, due to mental illness, is unable to comprehend the rationale and reason behind their
punishment. The court annulled the death sentences of the appellants and directed the government to undergo more extensive reforms1. These reforms included amending all federal and
provincial laws to match the court's judgment, changes to the country's prison rules and jail manuals, the training of government personnel in matters of forensic psychology, and the
establishment of medical boards to assess all convicts and death row prisoners.

Impact:
This landmark ruling set a precedent for future cases, ensuring that mental health assessments are taken into account during legal proceedings. The Supreme Court's decision highlighted the
critical role of forensic psychology in upholding human rights and ensuring justice within Pakistan's legal system1. The case also underscored the need for comprehensive reforms to protect
the rights of mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system.