All human beings are born independent, free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act accordingly, living in a high spirit of love and brotherhood. The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This principle, as first emphasized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, has been reiterated in numerous international human rights conventions, declarations, and resolutions. The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, for example, noted that it is the duty of States to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems. The Indian socio-legal is based on non-violence, mutual respect and human dignity of the individual. By committing a crime, a person does not change from being human and still is endowed with all the aspects which demand him to be treated with human dignity and respect that a human being deserves.

Anju Soni, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Deemed University, has been visiting Bastar for over 15 years. She is author of many books, including Science in the Service of Human Rights and Visiting Distinguished Professor of International Law and Policy.