Every person has dignity and value. One of the ways that we recognize the fundamental worth of every person is by acknowledging and respecting their human rights.
Human rights are a set of principles concerned with equality and fairness. They recognize our freedom to make choices about our lives and to develop our potential as human beings. They are about living a life free from fear, harassment or discrimination.
Human rights can broadly be defined as a number of basic rights that people from around the world have agreed are essential. These include the right to life, the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the rights to health, education and an adequate standard of living.
These human rights are the same for all people everywhere – men and women, young and old, rich and poor, regardless of our background, where we live, what we think or what we believe. This is what makes human rights ‘universal’.
Key Aspects of Human Rights
- Universality: Human rights are for everyone, everywhere, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.
- Inherent: They are not granted by governments but are an intrinsic part of human existence.
- Interconnectedness: The rights are interdependent and indivisible; one right cannot be fully enjoyed without others.
- Dignity and Equality: They are founded on the principles of equality and dignity, ensuring that every person is treated fairly.
Examples of Fundamental Human Rights
- Right to Life and Liberty: The freedom to live and make personal choices.
- Freedom from Torture and Slavery: Protection against cruel treatment and forced labor.
- Freedom of Opinion and Expression: The right to hold and share one's views.
- Right to Education: Access to learning and knowledge.
- Right to a Private and Family Life: Protection of personal and family spheres.
- Right to Work and a Standard of Living: Entitlement to a dignified livelihood and basic necessities.
- Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination: Protection from unfair treatment.
In India, fundamental rights are enshrined in the Constitution, found in Part III (Articles 12–35). These rights are often considered different from ordinary legal rights in their enforcement and include rights such as Right to Equality, Right to Freedom (including expression, assembly, movement), Right Against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, is a landmark document that sets basic standards for human rights protection for all nations.