International Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This important document, shaped by the European Enlightenment’s view on individual autonomy, emphasized the essential need for “the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms” across all nations and peoples (Morsink, 2011). The vision of human rights protection presented in the Declaration encounters ongoing challenges from exclusionary tendencies that undermine its universal applicability. (Ibhawoh, 2014).
International Human Rights Day highlights the essential importance of equality, dignity, and justice, encouraging a thorough examination of the life and legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Ambedkar, in his role as a social reformer, articulates concepts that resonate with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offer a structured approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Global South. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a global environment free from poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Achieving these objectives in the Global South requires not just policy reforms but also a significant shift in societal attitudes—an effort that Ambedkar championed through his progressive and inclusive vision. The Global Inequality Report 2022 reveals a significant disparity in wealth distribution, where the top 10% of the global population controls 76% of total wealth, while the poorest half possesses only 2%.
Envisioning the Global South Through His Ideas
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s perspective on human rights serves as a crucial reference point for the Global South, especially regarding the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International Human Rights Day underscores the significance of equality, dignity, and justice, making it essential to reexamine Ambedkar’s legacy. His ideas align closely with the challenges encountered by nations in the Global South, where systemic inequalities and historical injustices continue to exist. Ambedkar’s philosophy was grounded in the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities, presenting principles that hold universal significance. The Sustainable Development Goals seek to eliminate poverty, inequality, and discrimination. However, realizing these objectives necessitates not just alterations in policy but also a significant transformation in societal perspectives—an initiative that Ambedkar advocated through his forward-thinking vision.
Ambedkar highlighted the interconnected nature of rights—liberty, equality, and fraternity—underscoring that development must be viewed as an integrated whole. Poverty alleviation will not be effective unless systemic inequalities are addressed and inclusive education is ensured. In the Global South, the presence of political and civil liberties is frequently juxtaposed with significant socio-economic disparities, a contradiction that Ambedkar emphasized. His assertion that “political democracy cannot last unless it lies at the base of social democracy” highlights a critical warning for nations experiencing political reforms that exceed the pace of social and economic transformations. The dependence on extractive industries coupled with insufficient labor protections establishes obstacles to achieving equitable growth. Integrating social justice into economic policies is crucial for the development of resilient communities.
Ambedkar’s progressive position on gender equality is in strong alignment with SDG 5. His support for women’s rights was based on the recognition that the empowerment of women is essential for the advancement of society. Nevertheless, gender inequality persists as a deeply rooted issue in numerous regions of the Global South. Patriarchal norms and limited access to education have a significant impact on women, especially those belonging to marginalized communities. Ambedkar’s intersectional approach offers a valuable framework for addressing these complex injustices. The rise of Dalit women leaders within India’s human rights movements highlights the significant implications of his ideas. Focusing on intersectional policies and grassroots activism allows the Global South to establish avenues for gender equality that are comprehensive and enduring.
Ambedkar’s advocacy for minority rights stands out as a significant contribution, aligning closely with the principles of SDG 16. He acknowledged that democracy requires institutional safeguards and affirmative action to effectively protect minorities. The Global South frequently encounters challenges related to majoritarian politics and systemic discrimination targeting ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities. Ambedkar’s insights on minority protections are essential for effectively tackling these challenges. Affirmative action policies serve as critical mechanisms for realizing meaningful equality in societies characterized by significant stratification. In areas where social cohesion faces challenges due to identity-based conflicts, Ambedkar’s vision provides a structured approach for achieving reconciliation and justice. His well-known caution that “Democracy is not merely a form of government; it is primarily a mode of associated living” highlights the importance of governance that is inclusive and acknowledges diversity.
The Global South faces significant obstacles in achieving the SDGs: economic inequality exacerbated by global trade imbalances and inadequate social protections; systemic discrimination rooted in caste, race, and ethnicity; and weak institutions plagued by corruption and lack of accountability. Ambedkar’s philosophy offers practical strategies for addressing these challenges through structural reforms, including land redistribution, labor rights, and universal education.
The challenges faced in the Global South are significant; however, Ambedkar’s vision presents a framework for sustainable development that emphasizes justice and equality. The body of work he has produced underscores that the attainment of the SDGs necessitates more than just policy pledges; it requires a concerted effort to address structural inequities and promote inclusive growth.
In commemorating International Human Rights Day, it is essential for nations in the Global South to draw upon Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy for guidance. His philosophy illustrates the significant impact of human rights in the establishment of a fair society. By incorporating his principles into initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs, these nations can transform aspirations into tangible outcomes, guaranteeing that no individual is overlooked. Ambedkar’s advocacy for liberty, equality, and fraternity continues to hold significant relevance today, serving as a critical reminder for policymakers, activists, and citizens to prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals in their pursuit of sustainable development. Unquestionably, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are extremely ambitious, with the objectives of eradicating poverty (SDG 1), reducing inequality (SDG 10), ensuring gender equality (SDG 5), and promoting peace and justice (SDG 16), amongst other things. Nevertheless, the socio-economic disparities that Ambedkar warned about—inequalities in access to resources, education, and opportunities—continue to exist throughout the Global South, which poses a threat to the achievement of these objectives.
Interdependence of Rights, and SDGs Advancements in the Global South
Ambedkar’s focus on the interrelation of rights—liberty, equality, and fraternity—serves as a compelling reminder that development cannot be fragmented. His assertion that “political democracy cannot endure unless it is founded on social democracy” emphasizes the fundamental link between political and social rights. This relationship is crucial within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eliminate poverty, reduce inequalities, promote gender equality, and cultivate peace and justice.
The achievement of SDG 1 (No Poverty) in the Global South depends on tackling the systemic inequalities emphasized in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and providing inclusive education as outlined in SDG 4. The socio-economic disparities identified by Ambedkar—inequities in resource allocation, education, and opportunities—persist in these areas, presenting a substantial obstacle to the realization of these goals. Political and civil liberties often coexist with considerable socio-economic inequalities, creating a paradox that hinders progress.
Ambedkar’s transformative perspective on gender equality is in strong alignment with SDG 5 (Gender Equality). His emphasis on reforms for women’s rights, including the Hindu Code Bill, was based on the recognition that the empowerment of women is crucial for the advancement of society. Nevertheless, gender inequality persists significantly in numerous regions of the Global South, largely attributable to entrenched patriarchal norms and insufficient access to education. Ambedkar’s approach—examining gender inequality in relation to caste and class—offers a vital framework for addressing these complex injustices. The emergence of Dalit women leaders within India’s human rights movements highlights the significant impact of these ideas, demonstrating that a focus on intersectional policies can establish avenues for gender equality that are both inclusive and sustainable. While there have been advancements in certain aspects, gender inequality continues to be firmly established in numerous regions of the Global South. The UN Women 2023 report reveals that approximately 33% of women worldwide have faced physical or sexual violence, with elevated rates observed in areas such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This data highlights the continued significance of Ambedkar’s advocacy for women’s rights, underscoring the necessity for intersectional strategies to tackle complex injustices.
Additionally, Ambedkar’s advocacy for minority rights stands out as one of his most significant contributions, aligning closely with the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). He recognized that democracy, in isolation, is insufficient to safeguard minorities without the presence of institutional protections and affirmative measures. He acknowledged that democracy, in isolation, is insufficient to safeguard minorities without the implementation of institutional protections and affirmative action measures. The Global South, characterized by its ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity, frequently experiences systemic discrimination against minorities as a result of majoritarian politics. The 2023 Freedom House report indicates that merely 20% of countries in the Global South are classified as free, underscoring considerable issues concerning governance and the integrity of institutions. Ambedkar’s insights on minority protections hold significant relevance in this context; affirmative action policies serve as crucial mechanisms for attaining substantive equality in societies characterized by deep stratification. His warning that “Democracy is not merely a form of government; it is primarily a mode of associated living” highlights the necessity for governance that is inclusive and respects diversity.
The Global South encounters considerable challenges in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. The widening of economic inequality can be attributed to global trade imbalances and insufficient social protections, which ultimately hinder equitable development initiatives. Systemic discrimination based on caste, race, and ethnicity systematically marginalizes vulnerable groups, thereby restricting their access to education and healthcare. Furthermore, ineffective institutions characterized by corruption and insufficient accountability obstruct the successful execution of policies that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ambedkar’s philosophy offers practical strategies for addressing these challenges via structural reforms, including land redistribution, labor rights, and universal education. The emphasis on social justice frameworks indicates that policies should prioritize marginalized communities to guarantee access to essential services and opportunities.
Upon examining these interconnected issues during International Human Rights Day, it is evident that Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy provides a framework for sustainable development grounded in justice and equality. His life’s work highlights that achieving the SDGs necessitates more than mere policy commitments; it requires a concerted effort to address structural inequities and promote inclusive growth. Integrating these principles into the pursuit of the SDGs enables countries to systematically ensure that no one is left behind in their journey toward a more just and equitable society. The dependence of the Global South on extractive industries, coupled with insufficient labor protections and the prevalence of informal economies, presents significant obstacles to attaining equitable growth. Utilizing Ambedkar’s framework, the incorporation of social justice into economic policies is essential for the development of resilient communities.
Are the SDGs Achievable in the Global South?
The Global South encounters substantial challenges in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Economic Inequality: The increasing wealth disparities, intensified by global trade imbalances and insufficient social protections, hinder advancement towards equitable development. Oxfam’s 2023 report indicates that billionaires’ wealth surged by $5 trillion during the COVID-19 pandemic, while millions descended into poverty, intensifying pre-existing inequalities.
Social Injustice: Systemic discrimination, originating from caste, race, and ethnicity, persistently marginalizes vulnerable groups, constraining their access to education, healthcare, and opportunities. UNESCO data indicates that more than 258 million children are not enrolled in school, with a significant impact on marginalized groups, particularly Dalits and other lower-caste communities.
Weak Institutions: The presence of corruption, a weak rule of law, and insufficient accountability significantly obstruct the effective implementation of policies that are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Governance Indicators indicate that numerous countries in the Global South face challenges related to corruption and ineffective rule of law, which impede their advancement toward equitable development.
Ambedkar’s philosophy offers practical strategies for addressing these challenges. The emphasis on structural reforms, including land redistribution, labor rights, and universal education, is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and effectively tackles the fundamental causes of inequality.
Lessons from Ambedkar for SDG Success
Strengthen Social Justice Frameworks: Policies targeting inequality must prioritize marginalized communities, guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Empower Women and Minorities: Ambedkar’s intersectional approach emphasizes the necessity for inclusive strategies that elevate all segments of society.
Promote Grassroots Activism: Ambedkar’s mantra of “educate, agitate, organize” emphasizes the significance of civic participation in effecting systemic transformation.
Despite the significant challenges faced by the Global South, Ambedkar’s vision provides a framework for sustainable development grounded in justice and equality. His life’s work underscores that attaining the SDGs necessitates more than mere policy commitments; it requires a concerted effort to eradicate structural inequities and promote inclusive growth.
Conclusion
On International Human Rights Day, the Global South should draw inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. His philosophy exemplifies the transformative potential of human rights in establishing a just and equitable society. By incorporating his principles into the attainment of the SDGs, countries in the Global South can transform their aspirations into tangible outcomes, guaranteeing that no individual is marginalized.Also, we must acknowledge that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision is not merely historical; it serves as a current guide for ongoing battles against injustice and inequality. His teachings emphasize that sustainable development extends beyond economic growth; it involves a dedication to preserving human rights and advancing social justice.
The way forward involves adopting Ambedkar’s principles—converting aspirations into realities via collective effort and steadfast commitment to the tenets of liberty, equality, and fraternity, particularly in the Global South. Only then can we construct a future in which dignity and rights are preserved for all individuals, guaranteeing that no one is marginalized in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. Ambedkar’s advocacy for liberty, equality, and fraternity is as pertinent today as it was during his era. This is a call to action for policymakers, activists, and citizens, emphasizing that sustainable development is not merely an objective but a commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.
About the authors:
Dr. Sandeep Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of South and Centre Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Assistant Professor, Dr. Ambedkar Chair (Human Rights and Environmental Values), Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
Mr. Sandeep Singh, PhD Scholar, Department of South and Centre Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.