HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

Protection, promotion and efficient practice of Human Rights is one of the most defining hallmarks of a modern welfare state. Human Rights are the basis of a democratic society and the basic need and requirement of every human being. These are the objective measure of freedom and well being enjoyed by the citizens of responsible nation states.

Modern World is full of complexities and contradictions, problems and paradoxes. While on the one side, The Human race is advancing scientifically, socially and in terms of wealth and well being; on the other there are numerous and numerous nation states where the oppressive regimes are sabotaging the freedoms of the people, depriving them of their most fundamental right of freedom and expression.

Even in Responsible Democratic Societies like our own India, there are ample instances of Human Rights violations. However, Media and the civil society have played a very effective role from time to time, and pressurized, persuaded, pushed governments or the establishment to toe the righteous line which is in the interest of the people and does justice to the cause of equality and fair play.

One of the largest and grossest violations of Human Rights have been the mass communal carnages. There have been three of such episodes in particular. These are the anti-sikh riots of Delhi (1984), and the Hindu-Muslim riots of Mumbai (1992-1993) & Gujarat (2002). These riots were triggered by certain happenings and were a flash point between the relations between the Majority Community (Hindus) and these two minority communities (Sikhs and Muslims respectively).

The atmosphere during these three episodes was completely communally charged. The result being that the minority community suffered not only the brunt of deadly violence but also of social ostracization, which persisted for a long time. The Role of Media (particularly The English Press) during these events was highly commendable. They condemned the violence in the strongest words. They rallied public opinion against the ghastly happenings and tried to convince influential sections of people against the virus of communalism and for unity and brotherhood. They even collected aids and other assistance for riot victims through the charity campaigns. The result was that civil society put pressure on the respective governments to act with care and soothe the victims. Communal Riots have become a dirty word in the lexicon of most Indians. And it is quite likely that soon Mass Communal Carnages would go out of existence in India as Communal Politics looses it’s sheen and the perpretators of Communal Riots get their due retributory prosecution.

This would be another achievement on the part of Indian Nation, another step forward for this civically evolving nation. And an important segment of credit for this would go to the media. This is broadly just one instance where the constructive role of media has been demonstrated. There are numerous other ways in which the media has acted with a purpose to change the way society functions.

Media is the conscience keeper of society. It is mostly highlights the darker and negative aspects of the system, because it wants them to be treated and improved upon. Where the media is strongly developed, is impartial, fair and bold, in that society govt sloth, corruption, crime and political opportunism are handled in a better manner. A well developed media is a pre-requisite for a large and influential civil society. The Upholding of Human Rights, across the globe is the most instrumental duty of Media internationally.

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