CHRIRL

CHRIRL

CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, REFUGEE LAWS AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Human Rights forms the core of all societies. The existence of Human Rights is not a recent development in society but these rights have been an integral part of history of the world and hence are universal in nature. Human Rights is available to all persons irrespective of any of the otherwise differentiating factors such as gender, race, caste, class, etc.; and solely concerns itself with justice, equality and fairness. An ideal society should always have human rights that are treated with utmost respect and are given importance. Constant efforts are taken by global actors and State parties for the protection of human rights at different levels.

One of the many branches of Human Rights is the law relating the refugees. There has been a drastic surge in the number of refugees globally in the past few years. India, too has been facing the issue of refugees since decades. The issue relating to refugees is multi- dimensional and raises many concerns- legal, economical and social which has opened many possible areas of research. As citizens of the global community, we are also under the obligation to help improve living conditions for the refugees, who have already lost their ‘homes’; and also, to help strengthen the legal framework in place for the refugees. A strong legal framework would ensure better guarantee of rights to the refugees, which is the need of the hour.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), another branch of Human Rights and International Law aims to minimize the suffering of those not, or no longer, taking part in hostilities and to render the fighting more humane by restricting the use of barbaric weapons. Although the origins of contemporary IHL can be traced back to the nineteenth century, it is based on principles and practices which are much older- the Hague and Geneva Conventions, the former setting out restrictions on the means and methods of warfare and the latter providing protection to certain categories of vulnerable persons. Thus, there is a requirement to create awareness amongst masses on the Law of War. The law relating to IHL even though has been in existence since centuries, still holds good because many parts of the world still witness armed conflicts and consequential damage and violation of rights. This branch of law ensures respect and dignity at the time of war.

Ramaiah College of Law through the Centre for Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Refugee Law (CHRIRL) aims to focus on the dissemination of information and knowledge and also to create awareness on these areas of law.

OBJECTIVES

The Centre for Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Refugee Law strives to achieve the following objectives:

• To create social awareness about the problems related to human rights, IHL and refugees.
• To educate select masses about the existing policies related to Human Rights.
• To undertake research on the contemporary issues with respect to Human Rights, Refugees and IHL.
• To enter into collaborations with other stakeholders of the society in order to be able to reach out to more people and create awareness about basic Human Rights, Refugee laws and IHL.
• To initiate projects to promote the dissemination of information related to basic human rights, solutions available in case of violations and also conduct studies in the areas that affect refugees within India and globally.

Members of the Centre for Human Rights, Refugee Law and International Humanitarian Law

Faculty Co-ordinators