Unit VIII · Topic 8International Bill of Rights – Previous Year Questions

24 previous year questions on International Bill of Rights from UGC NET Law papers (2012–2026), including 3 match-the-list, 4 statement-based questions. The correct option is marked in green.

Questions

24 questions

2012

Which one of the following is correct according to Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948?

  1. (a)All human beings are born free and equal in rights
  2. (b)All human beings are born free, equal and dignity
  3. (c)All human beings are equal in dignity and rights✓
  4. (d)All human beings are born free and equal in rights and dignity
Answer & explanation

Ans. (c) : According to Article-1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 - All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

2012

Which one of the following convention has neither interstate communication procedure nor individual communication procedure?

  1. (a)International Convention on Civil and Political Rights
  2. (b)International Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights
  3. (c)Convention on the Rights of child✓
  4. (d)Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities
Answer & explanation

Ans. (c) : The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child was opened for signature and ratification by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 May 2000. This protocol came into force on 12 February 2002. The main objective of this protocol is - children below the age of 18 years shall not take part in armed conflicts.

2012

India is a not a party to-

  1. (a)International Convention on Civil and Political Rights
  2. (b)International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  3. (c)Convention on the Rights of Child
  4. (d)Optional Protocol to International Civil and Political Rights✓
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) : India is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 (ratified on 27 March 1979), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966 (ratified on 27 March 1979), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.

2012

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was established under ECOSOC Resolution No. 17 adopted on

1. 28 May, 1985

2. 30 May, 1985

3. 26 April, 1986

4. 24 May, 1986

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3 are correct✓
  2. (b)1, 3 and 4 are correct
  3. (c)2, 3 and 4 are correct
  4. (d)1, 3 and 4 are correct
Answer & explanation

Ans. (a) : ECOSOC Resolution No. 17/1985, (28 May 1985) was established under this. This resolution was adopted on 28 May, 1985. It has 18 members. They meet twice a year in Geneva. From India, Preeti Saran is currently a member. Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland.

2013

"No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile."

Above law is in

  1. (a)Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
  2. (b)Criminal Procedure Code
  3. (c)Civil Procedure Code
  4. (d)Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948✓
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) : Under Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights contains a total of 30 articles including the preamble, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 came into force on 10 December 1948. For this reason, International Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on 10 December.

2013

'No one shall be subjected to arbitrary asset or detention.' Under which Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this right has been declared?

  1. (a)Article 5 (b) Article 7
  2. (c)Article 8 (d) Article 9
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) : The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was issued by the United Nations on 10 December 1948. It contains a total of 30 articles including the preamble. According to its Article 9, no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention.

2013

"Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law". This has been stated in which of the following Article of Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

  1. (a)Article 6 (b) Article 7✓
  2. (c)Article 8 (d) Article 9
Answer & explanation

Ans. (a) : According to Article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person has the right to be recognized as a person before the law everywhere.

2014Match the lists

Match List-I containing Human rights and List-II containing related Articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, using the codes given below:

List-I

A. Rights to own property

B. Freedom of religion

C. Right to liberty and security of person

D. Right to privacy

List-II

1. Article 18

2. Article 9

3. Article 12

4. Article 17

Code:

  1. (a)A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
  2. (b)A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
  3. (c)A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
  4. (d)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3✓
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) :

(a) Right to own property - Article 17

(b) Freedom of religion - Article 18

(c) Right to liberty and security of person - Article 9

(d) Right to privacy - Article 12

2014

Article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides for:

  1. (a)Right to life
  2. (b)Prohibition of slavery
  3. (c)Right to be recognised as a person before law✓
  4. (d)Equality before law
Answer & explanation

Ans. (c) : Article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone has the right to be recognized as a person before the law.

2014

The International covenant on Economic, Social and cultural Rights came into force on:

  1. (a)3 January 1976✓
  2. (b)13 January 1976
  3. (c)30 June 1977
  4. (d)13 June 1977
Answer & explanation

Ans. (a) : The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights came into force on 3 January 1976 and these rights are mentioned in Articles 22 to 27.

2014

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 contains provisions relating to:

  1. (a)Operationalization of Human Rights✓
  2. (b)Establishment of Human Rights institutions
  3. (c)Establishment of Human Rights Committee
  4. (d)Conceptualization of Human Rights
Answer & explanation

Ans. (a) : The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 was passed by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948. This Declaration is an important subject of a person in relation to human rights, its preamble has made it clear that every organ of the United Nations will try to recognize and implement the rights and freedoms mentioned in this declaration. This declaration has 30 articles, in which human rights have been mentioned in detail.

2016Statements

Which of the following statements are correct? Use the codes and answer.

1. Most of the rights of the Univeral Declaration of Human Rights are incorporated in Part III of our Constitution

2. Most of the rights of the Universlal Declaration of Human Rights are incorporated in Part-IV of our Constitution

3. Many of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are included in Part-V of our Constitution

4. Few Universal Declaration of Human Rights are included in Part-XIII of our Constitution

Codes:

  1. (a)(1) and (3) only
  2. (b)(1) and (2) only✓
  3. (c)(1) and (4) only
  4. (d)(3) and (4) only
Answer & explanation

Ans. (b) : Most of the rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 have been incorporated in Part-3 and Part-4 of our Constitution.

2017

In which of the following case the Supreme Court after referring to International Convenant of civil and Political Rights and Universal Declaration of Human Rights observed that, "It is almost an accepted proposition of law that rule of customary to the Municipal Law shall deemed to be incorporated in the domestic law"?

  1. (a)M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
  2. (b)Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of U.P.
  3. (c)P.U.C.L. v. Union of India✓
  4. (d)Church of God (Full Gospels) in India v. K.K.R. Majestic Colony Welfare Association
Answer & explanation

Ans. (c) : The Supreme Court in P.U.C.L. v. Union of India 1997 S.C. had remarked that it is almost a well-established fact of law that a rule of customary international law which is not contrary to national law shall be deemed to be part of domestic law.

It was said in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

2017Sequence / order

Which of the following has commented on the legal significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights thus, " The declaration is merely a statement of principles not a legally binding instrument; but it has become one of the best known international documents, and it has been often referred to in resolutions of the U.N., the specialised agencies, regional arrangements and other International Organisations, and in national constitutions. legislation and court decision. It is a beacon light for all mankind even though it has been honoured more often in the breach than in the observance"?

  1. (a)Starke
  2. (b)H. Lauterpacht
  3. (c)Oppenheim
  4. (d)Palmer and Perkins✓
Answer & explanation

Ans. (d) : Palmer and Perkins, stating the legal principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said that it is not a legally binding document, but it has become one of the well-known international documents and is often referred to in resolutions of the United Nations, special agencies, regional arrangements and other international organizations and national constitutions, laws and decisions of courts. It is a beacon light for the whole humanity, even though its observance has been violated more.

Starke has called international law a weak law.

According to Oppenheim, a State is recognized only as an international person, and exclusively so.

According to H. Lauterpacht, if a State once acquires all the necessary elements of statehood, then it is the duty of all other States to grant recognition to the new State.

2017Match the lists

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List-I

A. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

B. Declaration on the Elimination of violence women

C. Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimation against Women

D. Declaration on the protection of women and children in Emergency and Armed conflict

List-II

1. Proclaimed by the U.N. General Assembly resolution 3318 (XXIX) of 14 December, 1974

2. Adopted and opened for signature, against ratification and accession by the U.N. General Assmebly resolution 34/180 of 18 December, 1979

3. Proclaimed by U.N. General Assembly resolution 48/104 of 20 December, 1993

4. Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 54/4 of 6 October, 1999 and opened for signature, ratification and accession on 10 December, 1999

Code:

  1. (a)A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1✓
  2. (b)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
  3. (c)A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
  4. (d)A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer & explanation

Ans. (a) :

(a) Optional Protocol to the Convention against Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - Resolution 54/04 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 6 October 1999 and opened for signature, ratification and accession on 10 December 1999

(b) Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women - Resolution 48/04 proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 1993

(c) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - Resolution 34/180 of the United Nations General Assembly of 18 December 1979, required for adoption and signature, ratification and accession

(d) Declaration on the protection of women and children in emergency and armed conflict - Resolution proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1974

2017Statements

Which of the following statement/statements is/are correct?

1. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict was, adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 54/263 of 25 May, 2000

2. Worst forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) was adopted on 15 June, 1999 by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization at its eighty-seventh session

3. Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) was adopted on 26 August, 1973 by the General Conference of the International Labour Organisation at its Fifty-Eighth session

4. Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by the United Nations General Council Resolution 44/25 of 20 November, 1989

Code:

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3 are incorrect
  2. (b)2, 3 and 4 are incorrect✓
  3. (c)1 and 2 are incorrect
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 4 are incorrect
Answer & explanation

Ans. (b) : It is correct that the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child relating to the involvement of children in armed conflict was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly's resolution 54/263 on 25 May 2000, kept for signature, ratification and accession.

2019

Which of the following Articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 deals with civil and political rights?

  1. (a)Articles 1 and 2
  2. (b)Articles 3 and 21✓
  3. (c)Articles 22 and 27
  4. (d)Articles 28 and 30
Answer & explanation

Ans. (b) : Articles 3 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 provide for civil and political rights, which include:

(1) Right to life and personal security of person - Article 3

(2) Article 21 - Right to vote.

In which year the Commission on Status of Women was established by Economic and Social Council?

(a) 1946

(b) 1947

(c) 1948

(d) 1949

Ans. (a) : The Commission on the Status of Women was established by the Economic and Social Council on 21 June 1946. Its headquarters is in New York (U.S.A.).

2019

Which of the following is the composition of the International Bill of Human Rights?

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2. International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights

3. The International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

4. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Choose the most appropriate option:

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)1 and 3
  3. (c)1, 2, 3 and 4✓
  4. (d)1 and 4
Answer & explanation

Ans. (c) : International Bill related to Human Rights:-

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

2. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1976

December 2022 · Q68Match the lists

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Human right Instruments)

List-II (year of Ratification/accessed)

A. International Convention on the Elimination of All form of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) I 1954

B. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) II 1968

C. Forced Labour Convention III 1979

D. Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) IV 1992

I II

A. o I. 1954

B. II. 1968

C. III. 1979

D. IV. 1992

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  2. (b)A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
  3. (c)A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV✓
  4. (d)A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

June 2025 · Q6

Which of the following articles incorporate the expression “right to life”?

A. Article 3 of UDHR, 1948

B. Article 6 of ICCPR, 1966

C. Article 9 of ICESCR, 1966

D. Article 3 of OP2 of ICCPR, 1989

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A and C Only
  2. (b)A and B Only✓
  3. (c)C and D Only
  4. (d)B and D Only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A and B Only

Explanation: Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) expressly states the right to life as inherent to every human being. Article 3 of the UDHR also supports this, but ICESCR and OP2 do not address it in the same manner.

31 Dec 2025 (Shift 1) · Q56Sequence / order

Arrange the following rights as they appear in Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 (UDHR) (ascending order)

A. Rights relating to Freedom

B. Rights relating to Liberties of people

C. Rights relating to Rule of Law

D. Economic Rights

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)C, B, A, D
  2. (b)A, B, C, D
  3. (c)B, A, C, D
  4. (d)C, A, B, D✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) C, A, B, D

June 2026 · Q52Statements

Consider the following statements, relating to the State parties to ICCPR under Article 13(2), 1996

A. Primary education shall be optional and free for all

B. Secondary education in its different form shall be made generally available and accessible to all

C. Fundamental education shall be encouraged or intensified for those who have not received or completed the whole period of primary education

D. The material conditions of teaching staff shall be continuously improve

E. Right to education shall promote scientific progress, fellowship and affirmative action programme

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A and B only
  2. (b)A, B and D only
  3. (c)B, C and D only✓
  4. (d)B, C, D and E only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) B, C and D only

Explanation: (Note: The question text contains typographical errors in citing the treaty and date. The right to education under Article 13(2) is enshrined under the ICESCR, 1966 [International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights], rather than the ICCPR). Analyzing the statements pursuant to Article 13(2) of the ICESCR:

• Statement A is Incorrect: Article 13(2)(a) dictates that "Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all", not optional.

• Statement B is Correct: Article 13(2)(b) states that "Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational secondary education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means..."

• Statement C is Correct: Article 13(2)(d) provides that "Fundamental education shall be encouraged or intensified as far as possible for those persons who have not received or completed the whole period of their primary education."

• Statement D is Correct: Article 13(2)(e) provides that "The development of a system of schools at all levels shall be actively pursued, an adequate fellowship system shall be established, and the material conditions of teaching staff shall be continuously improved."

• Statement E is Incorrect: While Article 13(1) outlines general aims of education (such as promoting understanding, tolerance, and friendship), the specific clause of Article 13(2) enumerates sub-clauses (a) through (e) and does not list an "affirmative action programme" or scientific progress within that specific section. Thus, statements B, C, and D are the correct inclusions under Article 13(2).

June 2026 · Q80Statements

Consider the following statement under Right to Education under Article 26 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

A. Elementary education shall be optional

B. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available

C. Education shall be free at elementary and fundamental stages

D. Higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of Merit

E. Elementary education shall be compulsory

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A and B only
  2. (b)A, C and D only
  3. (c)A, B, C and D only
  4. (d)B, C, D and E only✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) B, C, D and E only

Explanation: Article 26(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 explicitly states:

"Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit." Evaluating the statements based on Article 26(1):

• A. "Elementary education shall be optional" - INCORRECT: Article 26(1) provides that elementary education shall be compulsory, not optional.

• B. "Technical and professional education shall be made generally available" CORRECT: Explicitly declared in Article 26(1).

C. "Education shall be free at elementary and fundamental stages" - CORRECT:

Explicitly provided in Article 26(1).

• D. "Higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of Merit" CORRECT: Explicitly provided in Article 26(1).

• E. "Elementary education shall be compulsory" - CORRECT: Explicitly provided in Article 26(1). Thus, statements B, C, D, and E are correct, which corresponds to Option (d).

•

June 2026 · Q122

Consider the following combination of and choose the correct combination

Provision of UDHR - Part III Indian Constitution

A. Prohibition of Slavery, Slave trade etc. Article 4 - Article 24

B. Right against arbitrary arrest and detention, Article 9 - Article 22

C. Right to freedom of Movement, Article 13(1) - Article 19(1)(d)

D. Right to life, liberty and security of person Article 3 - Article 21

E. Right to Effective Remedy Article 11 - Article 32

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A, B, C and E only
  2. (b)B, C and D only✓
  3. (c)A, C and D only
  4. (d)A, B, D and E only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) B, C and D only

Explanation: Evaluating each matching pair between the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948) and Part III (Fundamental Rights) of the Indian Constitution:

• Statement A - INCORRECT:

o UDHR Article 4 prohibits slavery and the slave trade. o In the Indian Constitution, Prohibition of Traffic in Human Beings and Forced Labour is under Article 23 (not Article 24, which specifically deals with the Prohibition of Employment of Children in Factories, etc.). Therefore, pairing Article 4 of UDHR with Article 24 of the Indian Constitution is incorrect.

• Statement B - CORRECT:

o UDHR Article 9: "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile." o Indian Constitution Article 22: Provides protection against arbitrary arrest and detention in certain cases.

• Statement C - CORRECT:

o UDHR Article 13(1): "Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state." o Indian Constitution Article 19(1)(d): Guarantees to all citizens the right to move freely throughout the territory of India.

• Statement D - CORRECT:

o UDHR Article 3: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." o Indian Constitution Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.

• Statement E - INCORRECT:

o UDHR Article 8 (not Article 11) provides for the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for acts violating fundamental rights, corresponding to Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. Article 11 of the UDHR deals with the presumption of innocence and non-retroactive criminal laws. Therefore, only statements B, C, and D are correct, corresponding to Option (b).

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