Globalisation with Responsibility: Impact of Globalisation on Human Rights

Protection of basic human rights is one of the most pressing and elusive goals of any nation. The developmental initiatives of a nation, therefore aims at the ultimate welfare of its citizens. The socio-economic consequences of globalisation are mostly anti-poor and anti-marginalised in nature in India. It is therefore important to strengthen the human face of globalisation. The positive impact of globalisation on the growth and development of economy is remarkable, however, on the other side, it lacks normative principles of justice and humanity. Social and human rights responsibilities and values have rather neglected or sometimes been discarded and side-lined while economy aims for profit maximization. Globalisation, fuelled by profit-making deeds and serving business ends spills over a remarkable aura that has shaped the global trend to an unparalleled level. Economic dimensions of globalisation have acquired a status higher than human values or even above fundamental human rights, which are going to be seriously affected by current global trends. The claims of anticipated growth which was always been propagated by its proponents, like the alleviation of poverty or increase in prosperity, has not happened for the majority of world’s population. Compromising human freedom and dignity to the considerations of business is too high price to be paid in the 21st century. It is in this context that the question of how to manage globalisation effectively and more people friendly acquires significance. This paper mainly focuses on discussing the linkages between globalization and human rights, exploring the impact of globalisation on human rights and will conclude with a range of propositions, which could possibly be the best measures to deal with globalisation’s negative impacts, which would not impede globalisation but would make its players more accountable and socially responsible.