Human rights are fundamental beliefs and values about how people should be treated. They are the basis for laws protecting people from abuses of power by governments and other powerful institutions. They are supported by every culture and major religion, and it is widely recognised that the exercise of state power should be limited to ensure that all individuals have basic needs met.
But human rights are not a set of black and white rules: they’re a growing area of moral and legal thought, and many questions remain unanswered. Nevertheless, we have made substantial progress since World War II, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948, and many countries have integrated its principles into their national law.
Its 30 articles, ranging from freedom of expression to the right to life, set out a framework for respecting human dignity and fundamental freedoms. They are indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and none can be fully enjoyed without the others. They apply to everyone, everywhere, regardless of their wealth, ethnic origin or social status. And they can’t be withdrawn by anyone, though in certain circumstances a government may have to derogate from some – such as during a state of emergency.
While the rights in the Declaration are not legally binding, they have provided inspiration for numerous international treaties and bodies aimed at safeguarding them. Individuals who feel their rights have been violated can take legal action in their home country, or they may be able to complain to a United Nations body.
One of the most controversial human rights is Article 28: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this includes the right to hold opinions freely and to receive information and ideas without interference by public authority and to have those opinions known to the public.” It’s an important protection against government censorship, but also provides a safeguard for free speech in private life.
While there is much debate about what constitutes freedom of opinion and expression, most people would agree that it does not include the right to insult or vilify other people. That is why Article 29 lays down the principle of decency, which includes the right not to be subjected to hatred and incitement to discrimination. In addition, people have the right to a safe environment in which they can live and work peacefully, and Article 30 provides a safeguard against exploitation. That covers everything from forced labour and trafficking to sex work, debt bondage, and the exploitation of children. The United Nations recognises that we all need time to relax, and so protects our right to rest and leisure by allowing reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.