Human Rights

Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behavior and are regularly protected as legal rights in municipal and international law. They are commonly understood as inalienable, fundamental rights "to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being" and which are "inherent in all human beings", regardless of their nation, location, language, religion, ethnic origin or any other status. They are applicable everywhere and at every time in the sense of being universal, and they are egalitarian in the sense of being the same for everyone. They are regarded as requiring empowerment of the individual and as requiring the establishment of a social framework in which these rights can be recognized and realized.

History

The history of human rights can be traced to past documents, practices, and philosophical influences. The concept of human rights has evolved over time, and various historical documents have had an impact on the state of human rights today. The Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789), and the United States Bill of Rights (1791) are seen as precursors to modern human rights documents.

Categories of Rights

Human rights are commonly categorized into:

• Civil and political rights - These include the right to freedom of speech, right to privacy, right to fair trial and voting rights.
• Economic, social and cultural rights - These include the rights to education, health care, food, housing, and employment.
• Collective rights - These include the rights of indigenous peoples, minority groups, and the right to self-determination.
• Environmental rights - Recognizing the importance of a healthy environment to human existence, these rights include the right to a sustainable environment.

International Protection

The protection of human rights is primarily the duty of states. However, international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) play a crucial role in advocating and monitoring human rights standards. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Additionally, various international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) further commit states to respect and fulfill human rights.

Challenges and Enforcement

Despite international norms and regulations, human rights violations occur on a daily basis around the world. Issues such as discrimination, torture, and arbitrary detention are prevalent in many societies. Enforcement mechanisms vary by region and country, but they often include both judicial remedies and political actions. International courts such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and regional bodies like the European Court of Human Rights play significant roles in the enforcement of human rights.

See Also

• Human Rights Organizations
• Human Rights Violations
• Humanitarian Law
• Social Justice

This human rights related article is a stub.