Human Rights trivilized concept in some countries

Human rights are a concept that is still trivialized in countries like India and Pakistan (prevailing notion is as an urban and western agenda). Although much has been done, especially through the donor agencies and by some NGOs, to promote a rights-based mentality, there remains a great need to build an awareness that human rights is a collective term used to cover all manners of violations against persons, especially the powerless masses. It is having opportunities and choices to fully develop their potentials and live with dignity. Still, there are young people who are willing to contribute towards building a society where human rights are respected. It is very unfortunate that our current young generation has grown up without developing a sense of collective responsibility for social change. Many young people, especially women, in Pakistan today desire an opportunity to better understand the socio-political power dynamics of our country. We need to respect not only collective rights, but individual rights of people also. Especially with respect to women in cases of karo kari, vani, swara and other honour killings when individuals’ rights are sacrificed at the altar perceived of collective rights of tribes, clans, families and communities.