Human rights are fundamental freedoms that every person is born with, regardless of where they live or what their economic status is. These include the right to a standard of living that allows them to fulfill their potential and enjoy life in dignity, free from oppression or discrimination. They also include the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy and the right not to be tortured. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a set of principles endorsed by most countries in 1948, establishes the foundation of these basic freedoms.
The human rights treaties signed by many nations incorporate these rights into their national laws, making it illegal for any nation to violate them. Individuals who feel their human rights have been violated may bring a case against a nation at the United Nations.
Human rights violations are not only committed by governments, but by individuals, corporations and groups, as well. In order to protect human rights, all parties must take responsibility for their actions and act accordingly. For example, businesses must comply with anti-discrimination laws and promote equality, while individuals should respect the rights of others. Civil society should raise awareness of human rights issues and hold governments accountable for any violations of these rights, and the international community should monitor and criticize any state that fails to honor its obligations under a human rights treaty.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, significant progress was made in human rights, from abolition of slavery to increased education and political freedoms. These advances were fueled by concern that a government’s legitimacy rested upon its respect for natural human rights. Philosophers such as John Locke developed the concept that every man has certain natural rights that are inherent to his existence and independent of any government or law. This idea became more widely accepted, and the principle of human rights was established in international law through such treaties as the Magna Carta.
The UDHR is meant to be a charter of guarantees for everyone in the world, without exception. The document is non-binding on its signatories and thus is not legally enforceable, but it is still an important set of principles to encourage governments to honor their promises.
Despite their importance, human rights are not yet respected fully around the world. Millions of people are trafficked into illegal industries for exploitation and forced to work under harsh conditions. Other violations of civil and political rights include child marriage, religious discrimination, terrorism, military conflicts, war crimes and more.
The only way to make long term progress on human rights is to educate people about them, so they can demand their fulfillment and call out violations when they occur. This is why it’s important to support organizations that promote these values, whether by donating money or volunteering your time. Additionally, if you live in an election-based democracy, it’s important to vote, even for local races, and to encourage other people to do the same, especially those who face challenges getting to the polls.