Human rights are fundamental principles or values that establish standards of fairness and dignity for people around the world. These include freedom of speech, religion, movement and association, privacy and the right to own property. They also encompass the right to life, safety and security, and health. Governments often agree to protect these rights by signing international treaties and agreements, thereby committing themselves to respect them in practice.
When governments ignore or reject these universal and globally accepted principles, they send a message that some people’s lives matter more than others. This undermines the legitimacy of the system that we all rely on to uphold our basic humanity.
Almost every culture and civilization in the world recognises that human rights are essential to human dignity and well-being. This belief is embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. It was drafted by representatives from different regions, cultures and religions who worked together to ensure that the Declaration promised human rights for all, without distinction, in all countries.
While progress is being made in some countries, serious challenges remain. This Report highlights the continuing violations of women’s and girls’ rights, including by the Taliban in Afghanistan and by China in Xinjiang, as well as the systematic oppression of LGBTI persons, indigenous communities and minorities around the world. It also shows that states are increasingly using military force to impose their will. The abuses of these and other human rights are a global crisis that requires urgent action, at the local, regional and international levels.