Human rights are the basic freedoms and rights that belong to every person in the world. They are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality and independence. People need human rights to be able to live their lives with peace of mind and in safety. They can’t be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law or in the interests of national security.
Human rights have their roots in many cultures and traditions. They are not a Western creation nor a 20th-century invention, but a response to universal human needs and the search for justice. They are a way of thinking and a framework for organising societies in which everyone can flourish.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, people began to work together to address human rights issues such as slavery, sexism, racism, poverty, hunger, war and abuse of power. This led to the development of international laws and treaties that provide a legal basis for respecting and protecting human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty.
The UDHR was drafted with the help of representatives from a variety of countries and regions, so it represents a truly global perspective. It also contains a commitment to fulfil positive obligations, which is important because it means that countries are not just free to violate human rights, but they have a legal duty to respect and protect them.
A good way to promote human rights is to become active in your local community. Volunteering, joining a political party or campaign group and donating to charities that fight for the rights of vulnerable groups are all ways you can get involved. Make sure you choose groups that have strong leadership, good accountability systems and a commitment to listening to the people they serve.
If you are concerned about a human rights violation in your own country, you can ask the government to change its policy by submitting a complaint to a body such as the UN Committee on Human Rights or your own national human rights commission. You can also contact organisations that specialise in helping individuals with their human rights cases.
You can also support human rights by encouraging your government to ratify and adhere to international human rights treaties and to make and enforce strong national laws that protect the human rights of their citizens. Finally, you can join with other people to advocate for human rights in your home country and around the world.