Definition of Human Rights
The United Nations defines human rights as the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, language, or any other status. These rights are inalienable and cannot be taken away except in specific situations, such as when someone is found guilty of a crime. The UN believes that human rights are essential for a life of dignity, equality, and respect.
A core document outlining human rights is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. The UDHR asserts that human rights are universal and inherent to all people, meaning everyone is entitled to them simply by being human.
The UN’s definition includes a wide range of rights, such as:
- Civil rights (e.g., the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of expression)
- Political rights (e.g., the right to participate in government, freedom of assembly)
- Economic, social, and cultural rights (e.g., the right to education, the right to work, the right to health)
These rights aim to protect individuals from abuses and ensure equality and freedom for all people globally.
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Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.