The freedoms and privileges to which a person is entitled simply by virtue of being human. Human rights are a central pillar of a democratic society, and are universally recognised by all governments and civilised societies as fundamental to the well-being of their people.
The protection of human rights has improved massively in the second half of the twentieth century. However, it is still not enough. We need to continue to fight for those that are not yet protected, as well as to promote and strengthen the institutions that protect them.
The concept of human rights has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, where the idea that human conduct should be judged according to the “law of nature” was widely accepted. The ideas of John Locke and other philosophers refined this concept, arguing that the legitimacy of government depended on its respect for natural rights.
A rights-based approach to international relations has resulted in a growing number of countries adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is a powerful document which sets out, in clear language, the thirty rights to which every person is entitled.
The Universal Declaration is binding on Governments which expressly ratify it, and requires them to take steps to ensure that they are realized for all people within their borders. This is a complex task, as many cultural practices are embedded in family and community systems, and can only be changed by regular educational work with families and communities.