What is the purpose of human rights?

In December 1948, in the aftermath of World War II which had ended just a few years earlier, the United Nations Organisation published the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, probably one of the most important documents in history because it became a worldwide reference. The 30 Human Rights of the UN have served as a guide for countries to advance in the proclamation and protection of civil, political, economic and social rights, inspiring everything from the European Social Charter to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In this post, we will look at the role human rights in more detail, what they are for, and why they are necessary. And if you are interested in a career in politics or in their area of work, you should consider the Degree in International Relations Valencia or the Degree in International Relations in Madrid at Universidad Europea.

What are human rights and what are they for?

Human rights are inherent to all people, regardless of nationality, origin, place of residence, gender, ethnicity, skin colour, religion, language or any other condition. Its main objective is to guarantee the basic conditions that favour the integral development of each person while protecting human dignity.

They are an important means of protection for all of us, especially for those who may face abuse, neglect, and isolation. More importantly, these rights give us power and allow us to speak up and challenge mistreatment by a public authority.

Universal Human Rights are usually included in the national legal order and international law, so that states are responsible for creating laws and measures that guarantee their compliance at the individual and group level.

Why are human rights important?

The values of tolerance, equality and respect can help reduce differences within society. Putting human rights ideas into practice can help us create the society in which we want to live.

In recent decades, there has been tremendous growth in the way we think about and apply the ideas of human rights. This has had many positive results: knowledge about human rights can empower people and offer solutions to specific problems.

Human rights are an important part of how people interact with other people in all aspects of society: in the family, community, schools, workplace, politics and international relations. Therefore, it is essential that everyone strive to understand what human rights are because it is easier for them to promote justice and the well-being of society.

What are the characteristics of human rights?

• Universal: Human Rights are universal and cannot be suppressed, except under very specific conditions, but always respecting the procedural guarantees that provide a fair trial.
• Equitable and non-discriminatory: Human rights do not make distinctions between people, establishing that we are all free and equal, prohibiting all types of discrimination.
• Indivisible and interdependent: All types of human rights are interrelated, so that the advance or retreat in civil, political, social and/or cultural rights influences the development of others.

It is worth clarifying that human rights include both rights and obligations. International law dictates that states are responsible for respecting, protecting and applying human rights. Therefore, the state must not only protect individuals and groups from abuses and violations of their rights but must also promote laws that ensure the progress of human rights.

What are the 30 UN Human Rights?

The UN created 30 Human Rights in its Universal Declaration that each person, group, organisation or State must respect:

• All people are born free and equal.
• All people have these rights, without distinction.
• Right to life, liberty and security.
• No one will be subjected to slavery or servitude.
• No one will be subjected to punishment, torture or cruel or inhuman treatment.
• Right to recognition of legal personality.
• Right to protection against discrimination.
• Right to an effective remedy before the courts.
• No one can be arbitrarily detained, exiled or imprisoned.
• Right to an independent and impartial tribunal.
• Right to the presumption of innocence and a fair sentence.
• Right to privacy, honour and reputation.
• Right to free movement and to choose residence.
• Right to asylum in any country.
• Right to a nationality and to change it.
• Right to a free marriage and to the protection of the family by society and the State.
• Right to individual and collective property.
• Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
• Right to freedom of opinion and expression.
• Right to freedom of assembly and association.
• Right to participate directly or indirectly in the government of the country.
• The right to social security.
• Right to work, protection against unemployment and fair and satisfactory remuneration.
• Right to rest and enjoy free time.
• Right to well-being: food, housing, medical assistance, clothing and other basic social services.
• Right to education and free development of personality.
• Right to participate in the cultural life of the community.
• Right to a social order that guarantees the rights of the Declaration.
• Every person has duties with respect to their community and must respect the rights and freedoms of others.
• No group, person or State may undertake activities that suppress the rights and freedoms proclaimed in the Declaration.

Can they take away my human rights?

You cannot take away a person's human rights. In its final article, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that no State, group or person '[has] any right to participate in any activity or carry out any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms established herein.'

This does not mean that abuses and violations of human rights do not occur. On TV and in the newspapers every day we hear tragic stories of murder, violence, racism, hunger, unemployment, poverty, abuse, homelessness, and discrimination.

However, the Universal Declaration and other human rights treaties are more than lofty aspirations. They are essential legal principles. To comply with their international human rights obligations, many nations have incorporated these principles into their own laws. This gives people the opportunity to settle a complaint in a court in their own country.