Human rights are inherent and inalienable, meaning that they belong to people by virtue of their humanity, and they cannot be withdrawn or taken away from them. They encompass a broad range of civil, political, economic and social rights, guaranteed by national and international law.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, ideas about human rights developed rapidly in countries with newly emerging national identities. These ideas were expressed in documents such as the American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1848). This development was influenced by the writings of philosophers such as John Locke who argued that people have natural rights that are independent from their government. This concept was later incorporated into constitutional laws in some countries.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was the first time governments worldwide agreed on a set of fundamental freedoms that are indivisible, interrelated and inalienable, regardless of people’s differences. They include the right to life, the right to liberty and security of person, freedom of expression and assembly, private property, a fair trial, freedom from discrimination, access to education, reasonable equality of opportunity and the protection of personal integrity.
These are rights that individuals need in order to live a dignified life and a life worthy of the name of humanity. They are also rights that we need to protect and promote, because they are essential to human dignity.
Human rights are a central part of the global democratic project. They are fundamental to the success of democracy as a way of life and they have important implications for peace, prosperity and sustainable development. Moreover, they provide the basis for international cooperation and a common framework of shared values.
While rights are fundamental and inalienable, they are not absolute: in certain circumstances, it is legitimate to suspend or restrict them, for example during a state of emergency. However, it is never justifiable to violate an individual’s basic dignity. Consequently, those who sign up to human rights agreements have not only a moral duty to respect them but also a legal obligation.
As such, the enjoyment of one right depends, wholly or in part, on the realization of other rights. For example, the right to a safe environment can be realized only when other human rights are respected and protected. The same is true for the enjoyment of other rights, such as the right to freedom of religion and the right to privacy.
In addition to the role of states in protecting their citizens from human rights abuses, there is an increasing recognition that businesses have a duty to respect human rights. This is especially true when business operations are carried out in a country where violations of human rights are widespread. By focusing on human rights and fostering positive relationships with communities, companies can ensure their social license to operate. They can also reduce their exposure to risks and help prevent corruption.