In a political conception of human rights, a person’s rights are shaped by the context. This conception, which Griffin calls the “second ground,” prescribes clear boundaries between human rights and the various roles, functions, and values they embody. This approach, however, does not preclude the existence of rights in contexts that do not undergo international scrutiny or intervention.
The concept of human rights has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. In those countries, the idea of natural rights was a key component of the struggle against political absolutism. The failure of rulers to uphold these principles led to the emergence of modern nation states. That idea has endured throughout the centuries.
Although human rights may not be directly relevant to political systems, their importance cannot be understated. In a free society, everyone has the right to live their lives in a way that satisfies their fundamental needs. These needs include physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Many rights are interdependent. For example, a person’s right to health may be contingent on their ability to develop or travel widely.
Moreover, human rights must be protected by law. Major governments have tried to limit the scope of human rights by limiting their application to international law. However, they knew that such a move would cause political dynamite. Eventually, the idea of human rights gained traction. People all over the world are now fighting to ensure that their rights are recognized.
Human rights are essential to the existence of a fair society. They protect the rights of individuals and groups and ensure that they have the opportunity to live in dignity and peace. The fundamental principle of human rights is that all humans are born with certain rights, which are guaranteed by their creators. Human rights cannot be taken away from us, and they must be protected by law and legitimate accountability.
Access to health care is a fundamental right. As a human right, states must ensure that all citizens have access to affordable, quality health care. They must also guarantee the underlying determinants of health, such as safe water, sanitation, food, and housing. They must also ensure they allocate maximum resources to health care. These obligations are monitored by various human rights mechanisms.
The Universal Periodic Review, which is the most innovative feature of the Human Rights Council, involves the evaluation of human rights records of all 193 member states. It is a cooperative process that gives each state an opportunity to present its human rights measures. This process aims to ensure that all countries receive equal treatment under the treaty.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an internationally recognized document that protects the rights of every person. The document represents a milestone in the history of human rights. It was drafted by representatives of various regions of the world and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948. This document establishes universal protection for basic human rights and has been translated into over 500 languages.