CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS NORMS

Abstract

Despite being a signatory to several international human rights treaties and boasting a progressive constitutional framework, India continues to face substantial challenges in translating international human rights norms into practical, lived realities. This chapter critically examines the multidimensional obstacles—legal, institutional, socio-economic, cultural, and political—that hinder the effective implementation of these norms in the Indian context. While India's judiciary has often drawn on international law to strengthen rights discourse, significant gaps remain in enforcement, awareness, and equitable access to justice. Through an interdisciplinary approach supported by case studies, this chapter underscores the need for systemic reforms, greater public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration to bridge the divide between global human rights standards and local realities. The chapter concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at fostering a more inclusive, rights-respecting society in India.