Tag Archives: human rights

A Look At Human Rights

Human Rights march

Human rights are the inalienable rights that every person should choose to enjoy irrespective of their gender, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, language, and skin color.

All individual, of all ages, should enjoy these rights without facing any form of discrimination. Human rights are expressed and guaranteed by different laws in various forms including general principles, customary international law, treaties, and other legislation.

Human rights should be envisioned in the laws of every nation with the governments expected to act in a manner that promotes and protects these rights and freedoms of every person, citizen or otherwise. These rights apply to each one of us and are not just for those facing mistreatment or repression. They protect us in many areas of our day-to-day life and advocate for things like one’s right to a family and private life, the right to express one’s opinion, and the right to not be wrongly punished or mistreated by authority.

The Characteristics of Our Human Rights

man standing with arms raised in freedom

They are Essential and Necessary

Human rights ensure that every living person has social, spiritual, physical and moral welfare rights and create suitable conditions for the material and moral uplifting of the individuals in a society.

They are Irrevocable

Human rights are irrevocable, meaning that no one can take them away from you considering that they are centered/founded on the very nature of man (socially-speaking). Because of this, each human being is entitled to these rights.

They are inherent

These rights are inherent as they aren’t granted by any single authority or person. They cannot be bought, inherited or earned; they belong to us simply because we are human.

They are Imperceptible

Human rights don’t prescribe and can’t be lost even if a man does not assert or use them, even after a long time.

They are Interdependent

These rights are dependent on each other since the exercise or fulfillment of one can’t be had until the other is, first of all, realized.

They are Universal

Human rights do not belong to a specific group or class of people; they belong to every living human being.

They are Dynamic

Human rights are dynamic in nature and change as the society changes.

From what we have already learned, we see that these are the most basic freedoms and rights that belong to every living person in the world right from birth to their death. They apply to each one of us irrespective of where we are from, what we believe or how we choose to live our lives. These rights cannot be taken away; though they can be restricted – a good example is when someone breaks the law, or when the interests of nation’s security are at stake.

These rights are centred around value like fairness, respect, independence, equality, and dignity.

However, it is important to note that they aren’t just abstract concepts since they are protected and defined by law.

It is important to note that Human Rights entail both obligations and rights. States assume duties and obligations under international law to protect, respect and fulfill them. While each of us is entitled to human rights, it is important that we also respect the rights of others.