Types of Human Rights Violations

A human rights violation occurs when a person’s basic rights, dignity, liberty, equality, or legally protected freedoms are unlawfully denied, restricted, or abused. In India, human rights are broadly connected with rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity under the legal framework of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Major Types of Human Rights Violations

1. Discrimination and Inequality

Unfair treatment of individuals because of characteristics such as caste, gender, religion, disability, or other protected grounds.

2. Violence and Abuse

Physical, psychological, or sexual violence, including domestic violence, institutional abuse, and other forms of mistreatment.

3. Custodial Violence

Alleged torture, abuse, or other unlawful treatment of people in police, prison, or other official custody.

4. Unlawful Arrest or Detention

Deprivation of a person’s liberty without lawful authority or without following required legal safeguards.

5. Child Rights Violations

Child labour, trafficking, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and denial of education or other legally protected rights.

6. Women’s Rights Violations

Violence, harassment, discrimination, trafficking, and denial of equal opportunities.

7. Human Trafficking and Forced Labour

Using force, coercion, deception, or exploitation to control or profit from another person’s labour or services.

8. Violation of Privacy

Unauthorized access, collection, disclosure, or misuse of personal information or unlawful interference with private life.

9. Freedom of Expression Issues

Unlawful restrictions on protected speech, communication, or peaceful expression.

10. Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Discrimination or barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating equally in education, employment, public life, or services.

11. Denial of Education or Healthcare

Unlawful or discriminatory barriers preventing access to legally protected education, healthcare, or essential services.

12. Abuse of Public Authority

Acts or negligence by public servants that allegedly result in violations of human rights. The NHRC receives complaints directly from victims or people acting on their behalf and also handles certain cases involving custodial deaths and police action or inaction.

How to Tackle Human Rights Violations

Human rights concerns should be addressed through peaceful, lawful, and evidence-based procedures.

Step 1: Document the Incident

Keep records of:

• Date, time, and location

• Names of persons or authorities involved

• A clear description of what happened

• Photographs, videos, documents, or other evidence

• Medical reports, where applicable

• Names of witnesses

• Copies of previous complaints or correspondence

Step 2: Report to the Appropriate Authority

Depending on the nature of the violation, approach the appropriate police authority, government department, Human Rights Commission, court, or specialized statutory body.

Step 3: File a Human Rights Complaint

For matters within its jurisdiction, a complaint can be submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or the relevant State Human Rights Commission. The NHRC’s complaint system asks for details of the victim, incident, concerned public authority, allegations, and relief requested.

Step 4: Seek Legal Assistance

If the matter involves serious violence, detention, criminal offences, or urgent legal protection, legal advice can help identify the appropriate remedy. Eligible persons can obtain free legal aid through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and State/District Legal Services Authorities.

Where to Apply Against Human Rights Violations

How to Apply to the NHRC

The NHRC allows complaints to be submitted online, by post, in person, by email, or through other specified channels. There is no fee for filing an NHRC complaint. Complaints may be submitted in Hindi, English, or other constitutionally recognized languages.

The NHRC may, after inquiry, recommend appropriate action, including prosecution or other action against a responsible public servant, recommend interim relief, or approach the Supreme Court or a High Court for appropriate directions.

Official NHRC complaint information: NHRC – How to File an Online Complaint

Important Point

The NHRC does not have jurisdiction over every type of dispute. Its published guidance states that certain complaints may be dismissed, including matters outside its jurisdiction, some civil or service matters, matters pending before a court or another commission, vague or anonymous complaints, and complaints concerning incidents occurring more than one year before filing.

Benefits of Taking Action

• Protects human dignity and liberty

• Creates an official record of the grievance

• Provides access to investigation or inquiry

• Promotes accountability of public authorities

• May provide recommendations for relief

• Protects vulnerable individuals and communities

• Improves awareness of legal rights

• Strengthens access to justice

Conclusion

Human rights violations can affect a person’s life, liberty, equality, dignity, privacy, and freedom. Recognizing the type of violation, preserving evidence, reporting it promptly, and approaching the correct institution are important steps toward obtaining an appropriate lawful remedy. The NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, courts, police, specialized statutory bodies, and legal-services authorities each have different roles in addressing human-rights concerns.