The human rights question becomes pertinent in the contemporary situation of political re-configuration, terror-counter terror scenario, economic globalisation and consequent inequality and marginalisation. The book deals with the diverse issues of civil, political, economic and social rights emerging in India, China, South Asia and expatiates on the emergence of the regional human rights mechanism in South Asia, Africa and the Americas.

The book analyses the rising impact of the 'non-state' actor on human rights, while the interface of threat and opportunity between business and human rights is increasing. India, China and Brazil are emerging as global players, forging new political and economic alliances with nations from Asia, Africa and Latin America, but their allegiance to human rights standards remains unclear and erratic. Amidst the constant evolution of the human rights agenda, the book focuses on the human rights defenders in India and South Asia, and captures the current human rights situation in India, a mix of progress and regression, gains and losses. It captures this complexity with a positive but cautious note.