Human rights are based on dignity, equality and mutual respect – regardless of one’s nationality, religion or beliefs. They were first codified in 1948 in a landmark document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which marked a major step forward for the world in the recognition that all humans are born free and equal.
The UDHR was the first time that the world’s governments agreed on a list of universally applicable human rights that all people should be guaranteed. It was written and debated by a broad range of countries and cultures, from all regions of the world and with different political, religious and social contexts. It is therefore not surprising that it is still being debated today. Its very existence, in fact, shows that human rights are not a fixed, “ideology,” but are an evolving area of moral and legal thought.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, human rights became increasingly recognised around the world, particularly after the atrocities of the Second World War. They are now supported by every culture in the world, every civilised government and most major religions. They are now an integral part of the international legal system and are incorporated into most regional laws and treaties.
While it may seem like human rights are a new idea, the concept dates back to the 1600s when philosopher John Locke developed the theory that natural rights are inherent in every person and should be respected by all governments. During the 19th century, the development of the legal profession brought the theory to wider attention and it was later adopted by many countries as the basis for their constitutions.
In 1948, following the traumatic events of the Second World War, representatives from all states of the world gathered to create the United Nations and agree on a list of basic human rights that everyone should be entitled to. This landmark document, known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), is widely regarded as the most significant advance in human rights history.
Article 21, for example, says that all people have the right to participate in their country’s government through periodic and genuine elections conducted by secret ballot or equivalent free voting procedures. This is considered a fundamental right because it recognises that the will of the people should be the ultimate source of power for any nation or state, and that it is a violation of human rights when the people are not involved in their government.
Some of the most important human rights issues facing the world today include gender equality, the right to education and the need to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Other key issues include freedom of expression, the right to food and water, and the right to a fair trial and a free press. A company’s human rights policy must be able to address these and other issues as they arise. To do this, the company must understand its operations, products and services and identify the human rights risks that exist within its business. It also needs to develop a plan to mitigate those risks in ways that are consistent with international human rights standards.