Human rights are those fundamental freedoms and dignity that all people – criminals, heads of state, children, teachers, bankers, charity workers – should be able to enjoy, no matter who they are or where they live. They are based on the belief that human beings are not just physical beings but also moral and spiritual ones; and that all individuals have a responsibility to respect the rights of others.
It is for this reason that it is not only essential to protect human rights, but also to promote them. Human rights are universal – they apply to everyone everywhere; and inalienable – they can never be taken away. They are indivisible and interdependent, and can only be fully enjoyed when all of them are enjoyed.
All human beings are equal in their humanity; and this equality includes the right to life. It is for this reason that the UDHR emphasises the importance of protecting human life and that all people have the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their families.
Similarly, people have the right to freedom of thought and expression; to a fair trial; and to privacy. All of these rights are protected by international humanitarian law – an agreement that, during times of war or conflict, governments must not use unlimited force and seek to preserve the lives of all civilians, including women, men, children and the elderly.
The human rights movement has made great strides, although it is true that many violations persist. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created in 1948 to provide a common understanding of everyone’s fundamental rights, and is legally binding when it has been ratified by states (ratification means agreeing to be bound to the treaty or convention). Many states have made reservations or declarations which exempt them from certain parts of the document, but most states have complied with at least some of the provisions of the UDHR.
While it is the responsibility of governments to comply with and enforce human rights, civil society also has a role to play. It is important that business and the media comply with anti-discrimination laws; that schools and universities promote equality; and that all individuals respect the rights of others. Civil society also has a responsibility to speak out when human rights are violated, and to monitor the actions of governments so that they can be held accountable when they fail to comply with international standards.
There is a growing recognition that wealthy countries have a role to play in the promotion of human rights, but this must be done in an empirical rather than coercive manner. It is important that they help to develop the economic capacity of other nations, but this must be done without imposing western institutions, modes of governance and dispute-resolution systems upon them. In fact, imposing these things can make it much harder for countries to move forward from extreme violence and into reconciliation and peacebuilding.