Human rights are the fundamental freedoms and rights that belong to every person, everywhere, from birth. They are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality and respect for others. They are indivisible and can’t be taken away, although they can be restricted in some situations. For example, if someone breaks the law or is in danger of hurting others, their human rights may be limited.
The idea of human rights emerged in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, during a time of revolutions and emerging nation states. People started to recognise that certain rights, such as the right to life, liberty and property, are inalienable (cannot be voluntarily given up or taken away) and universal. This led to a growing belief that nations should not be allowed to ignore human rights violations by other countries or peoples on their own territory.
After World War II, the idea of human rights was further developed with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a landmark document that set out basic freedoms and rights to be protected by the international community. It was the first time that governments agreed on the rights and freedoms everyone deserves, regardless of who they are or where they live.
Individuals and groups can take action to protect human rights, either by raising awareness or by campaigning for changes in law and practice. Many human rights issues are complex and long-term, so it’s important to work in partnership with other people who share your passion for justice. This helps build capacity for the fight against injustice and gives you support when things get difficult. Accountability is also key – if the perpetrators of human rights abuses don’t face consequences, they will continue to commit them. This is why the UN and other organisations have established accountability mechanisms to monitor countries’ compliance with their human rights obligations.