Human rights are ideas and values that are central to a fair society. They are a means of guaranteeing fair treatment, freedom and security to all people – and are universal in their scope.
The concept of human rights has its origins in ancient times. In the 19th and 20th centuries, they were developed through debates about social issues such as slavery, servitude and brutal working conditions. It was at this time that the first international treaties on these issues were adopted. In the early years of the United Nations, an international body was created to address human rights issues – the Commission on Human Rights. This body was charged with preparing what became known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other international treaties.
In 1948, the UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly. It proclaimed, for the first time, that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that these rights are universal. It has since been translated into over 500 languages.
It is a milestone document and has influenced many countries to change their laws and policies to respect and protect human rights. It has become the cornerstone of a global network of international treaty bodies, judicial and non-judicial mechanisms, national human rights institutions and other independent organizations.
Despite this progress, the world is at a critical moment for human rights. Global power is shifting to a new order characterized by growing economic competition and rising geopolitical tensions. China, for example, has a history of pushing back on the principles of the UDHR, asserting that political and civil liberties are unnecessary for economic success. This stance is emboldening other states with autocratic tendencies, as well as citizens in the Global South frustrated by the selective approach of the Global North to human rights norms.
A major challenge for human rights advocates today is how to promote human rights while addressing specific cultural traditions and beliefs that some people may consider incompatible with those values. This can be a difficult balance to strike, and the success of this effort depends largely on a strong partnership between governments and civil societies.
The UDHR sets out the following core fundamental rights: