Human rights are fundamental freedoms that all people are entitled to, regardless of their location or status in society. These freedoms are set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its two Optional Protocols, as well as in international legal instruments negotiated by governments and signed by them.
The concept of human rights arose out of the ashes of war and the horrors of the Holocaust. It was the first time that a global agreement placed human beings at the heart of its agenda and it has since been incorporated into many national constitutions and laws. It has also become an enduring commitment to prevent the bleakest moments in history from happening again.
Human rights protect our dignity, enshrining in all of us the right to life, liberty and security. They are inalienable and non-negotiable. Everyone is born with them and no one can voluntarily give them up or have them taken away from them. They are intrinsic to our humanity and they form the foundation of our search for justice and fairness.
Two key beliefs lie at the heart of the human rights movement: human dignity and equality. These principles are so universally held that they receive support from all cultures, civilised societies and religions across the globe. They are the only way to guarantee that everyone is treated fairly.
While a universal set of standards is necessary for guaranteeing human rights, there are some differences between cultures and countries in the interpretation and application of these rights. This is because of the fact that different cultures may have different values and ways of life. However, these cultural differences can be overcome if all stakeholders, including governments, civil society and the private sector, work together to achieve the goal of a world in which all individuals enjoy their human rights without discrimination.
There are a number of important ways that you can promote human rights in your daily lives. One of the most effective ways is by taking action when you witness human rights violations. This could involve raising awareness about the violations through your local media or talking to your friends and neighbours. Another way is by joining a human rights group and getting involved in their activities. This can be a great way to meet new people with the same interests, as well as learning more about human rights in general.
You can also help to change policies and laws in your own country by writing letters to the government or signing up to Amnesty’s mailing list. For example, if you are aware of an issue that is not being addressed by your government, then you can write to them explaining the problem and asking them to take steps to address it. If the problem is not resolved by the government, then you can bring it to the attention of a human rights treaty body like the UN Committee on Human Rights. This is a process of working cooperatively with your government to meet its international obligations and it can be a positive step towards changing the situation for all individuals in your country.