AGARTALA, April 18 (TIWN): "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights": in perhaps the most resonant and beautiful words of any international agreement, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises, to all, the economic, social, political, cultural and civil rights that underpin a life free from want and fear, said former Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir after inaugurating the two-day workshop on “Human Rights & Related Issues” organized by Tripura Government Law College in collaboration with West Bengal National University of Juridical Science (WBNUJS), Kolkata at Tripura Government Law College, here on Friday. The workshop ended today.

These human rights are not country-specific. They are not a reward for good behaviour, or particular to a certain era or social group. They are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year, Altamas Kabir mentioned.

Violations have been prevented. Independence and autonomy have been attained. Many people  though not all  have been able to secure freedom from torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination, as well as fair access to education, economic opportunities, rich cultural traditions and adequate resources and health-care, he informed.

They are the rights of people of every colour, from every race and ethnic group; whether or not they have disabilities; citizens or migrants; no matter their sex, their class, their caste, their creed, their age or sexual orientation, he added.

The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible 365 days a year. Every day is Human Rights day: a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity and freedom, Kabir added.

Chairperson of Police Accountability Commission, Tripura Justice (Rtd) AB Paul, Vice Chancellor of WBNUJS Prof Iswara Bhatt and other dignitaries were present in the workshop.