What is a human right?
Human rights are basic rights that every person has from birth. They are universal, i.e. they apply to all people, regardless of, for example, race, gender, religion or nationality. Human rights protect the individual’s dignity and right to life, freedom, security and fair treatment. They are an essential part of a democratic society and the rule of law.
Human rights include, for example, the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to education, health care, work and a fair trial. They protect the individual from discrimination, torture, slavery and arbitrary detention. Human rights are enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous international agreements and declarations.
The implementation of human rights is monitored by various international and national human rights organizations and courts. Respecting and promoting human rights is everyone’s shared responsibility, and defending them is important all over the world.
