There is the controversy over whether human rights are a western concept. Western countries often seek to impose their standards through human rights. It is contended that human rights are alien to Asian culture. The article examines some of the issues in the Asian context and concludes that human rights are nothing new, but have long been nurtured and cherished by Asian societies, and have a strong religious and social backing in such societies, further, it is pointed out that the attempt by western powers to utilise human rights as an instrument of political pressure is resented and due regard should be paid to regional particularities.