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What are HUMAN RIGHTS?

The rights you have simply because you are human.

Proper Definition:

A proper definition of human rights encompasses their universal nature, inherent to all individuals by
virtue of their humanity. Human rights are fundamental entitlements that protect individuals from
discrimination, oppression, and abuse, while promoting dignity, equality, and justice. They include civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights, which are enshrined in international law and norms.
Human rights are indivisible, interdependent, and inalienable, meaning they cannot be separated,
ignored, or surrendered. They require governments to respect, protect, and fulfill them for all people,
without discrimination or prejudice, and they serve as a foundation for democratic societies and the rule
of law.

Definitions of HR by Different Scholars:

Human rights are interpreted and defined in various ways by different scholars.

John Locke :
Locke defined HR as natural rights, which are inheret to all individuals by virtue of their humanity. These
rights include life, liberty and property. Locke argued that the primary goal of government is to protect
these rights and any government that fails to do so loses its legitimacy.

Michael Lgnatieff:

Lgnatieff, in "human Rights as politics" argue that human rights are a tool for political practice aimed at
protecting individuals from abuse and ensuring their dignity.

David Selby:
Human rights are those rights which pertain to all persons and possessed by every individual because
they are human.
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Cranston:
Human rights are forms of moral rights and their differ from other rights in being the rights of all human
beings at all time and in all situations.

SUBSTANTIVE RIGHTS

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, regardless of their
nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. They are inherent to all human
beings, and they are often protected by law. Human rights encompass a wide range of principles
and values, including:

1. Right to Life: Every person has the right to life and to live in freedom and safety.
2. Freedom from Discrimination: Individuals should not face discrimination based on
factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other
status.
3. Right to Equality: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal
protection of the law without any discrimination.
4. Freedom of Expression: Everyone has the right to express their opinions, beliefs, and
ideas freely, without fear of censorship or retaliation.
5. Right to Education: Every person has the right to education, which should be free,
compulsory, and of good quality.
6. Right to Privacy: Individuals have the right to privacy and to be protected from arbitrary
interference with their privacy, family, home, or correspondence.
7. Freedom from Torture and Inhuman Treatment: No one should be subjected to
torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
8. Right to Fair Trial: Every person has the right to a fair and public trial by an impartial
tribunal.
9. Freedom of Religion and Belief: Individuals have the right to freedom of thought,
conscience, and religion, including the freedom to practice any religion or belief of their
choice.
10. Right to Work: Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just
and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.

These are just a few examples of human rights, and there are many more. Human rights are
considered universal, meaning they apply to everyone, everywhere, regardless of their
circumstances. They are also interdependent and indivisible, meaning that the fulfillment of one
right often depends on the fulfillment of other rights.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

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The characteristics of human rights outline their fundamental nature and distinguish them from
other types of rights. Here are some key characteristics:

1. Universal: Human rights are applicable to all individuals, regardless of their nationality,
race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. They are inherent to all human
beings by virtue of their humanity.
2. Inalienable: Human rights cannot be taken away or surrendered, nor can they be
transferred to another person. They are integral to each individual and cannot be forfeited
under any circumstances.
3. Indivisible: Human rights are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that the
fulfillment of one right often depends on the fulfillment of other rights. For example, the
right to education may facilitate the exercise of the right to work.
4. Interdependent: Human rights are closely linked to each other, and the realization of one
right may contribute to the realization of others. For instance, access to education may
lead to better health outcomes and economic opportunities.
5. Inherent: Human rights are inherent to human dignity and are not granted by
governments or any other authority. They exist independently of laws, customs, or social
structures and are grounded in the inherent worth of every individual.
6. Equal: Human rights apply equally to all individuals without discrimination or
distinction of any kind. They recognize the equal worth and dignity of every person and
require governments to treat all people with fairness and without prejudice.
7. Enforceable: Human rights are enforceable through legal mechanisms at both national
and international levels. Individuals and groups have the right to seek remedies and
redress if their human rights are violated, and governments have a duty to provide
effective mechanisms for enforcement.
8. Dynamic: Human rights are not static but evolve over time to adapt to changing social,
cultural, and political contexts. New rights may emerge, and existing rights may be
reinterpreted or expanded to address contemporary challenges and needs.

These characteristics collectively define human rights and guide their protection, promotion, and
fulfillment in societies around the world.

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The importance of human rights cannot be overstated, as they serve as the cornerstone of just and
equitable societies. Here are several reasons why human rights are crucial:

1. Dignity and Respect: Human rights uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every
individual, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. They affirm that all
people are entitled to respect and equal treatment, fostering a culture of dignity and
mutual respect in societies.
2. Protection from Abuse and Oppression: Human rights provide essential protections
against abuse, discrimination, and oppression by individuals, groups, or governments.

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They serve as a safeguard against tyranny, ensuring that no individual or group can
violate the rights of others with impunity.
3. Promotion of Equality and Social Justice: Human rights promote equality by
demanding that all individuals have equal access to opportunities, resources, and
protections. They challenge discrimination and inequality based on factors such as race,
gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or social status, and strive to create more inclusive
and just societies.
4. Fostering Peace and Stability: Respect for human rights is essential for building
peaceful and stable societies. Societies where human rights are upheld are less prone to
conflict, violence, and social unrest. Human rights contribute to the resolution of conflicts
through dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for diversity.
5. Empowerment and Participation: Human rights empower individuals to participate in
decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. They enable people to
voice their opinions, advocate for their interests, and hold governments and institutions
accountable for their actions.
6. Social and Economic Development: Human rights are closely linked to social and
economic development. Access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment are
not only fundamental rights but also essential for individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling
lives and contribute to the prosperity of society as a whole.
7. Rule of Law and Good Governance: Human rights are essential for the rule of law and
good governance. They require governments to adhere to principles of transparency,
accountability, and the rule of law, ensuring that laws and policies are fair, just, and
applied equally to all.
8. Global Solidarity and Cooperation: Human rights are universal principles that
transcend national boundaries and require global solidarity and cooperation. They
provide a common framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate
change, and humanitarian crises, and promote cooperation among nations to uphold
human dignity and promote peace and prosperity for all.

In summary, human rights are indispensable for building inclusive, equitable, and just societies
where all individuals can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. They are essential for
promoting peace, stability, and prosperity at both the national and international levels.

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