Are human rights really rights that are codified in law and can be upheld and enforced? Or are they just imagined rights? Are they simply human instincts, human beliefs, human aspirations and even human vanity?

The most basic of human rights is without doubt the right to live unmolested. But, whether even that is achievable in the crowded and troubled world of today is highly questionable.

What about the more elaborate, sophisticated and much touted higher order of human rights? Are they at all possible in the selfish nationalistic fervour that is prevalent in today's world.

Are human rights oversold and over-hyped? Are they helping or impeding human progress? Can humankind have a future with all this obsession about rights without responsibilities?

There is an urgent need to stop the proliferation of human rights as a political weapon.

There is a need to question the right to frame everything in terms of human rights.

Start by questioning the right to claim human rights abuses in every political conflicts and confrontation.