We explain what human rights are and their main characteristics. We also explain when deprivation of rights occurs and more.
What are human rights?
Human rights are Fundamental principles and freedoms that every person has by the fact of existing. Respecting human rights allows for essential living conditions in a dignified environment of freedom and peace.
Human rights consist of rights and obligations that regulate the behavior of all people without distinction of nationality, gender, skin color, social status or religion.
No person or government has the authority to deny human rights to a person. That is why, in 1948, after the Second World War, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was proclaimed in Paris by the United Nations General Assembly.
Comprised of 30 articles, it includes the fundamental human rights that must be protected by all peoples and nations of the world, such as the right to life, freedom of expression, education, housing, political participation, among others. Human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and progressive.
See also: Children’s rights
What are human rights?
The human rights contemplated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 are divided into two general groups:
- Civil and political rights. Such as the right to life, not to be subjected to slavery or uncertainty, not to be harmed or tortured, not to be discriminated against, not to be arbitrarily detained, to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, to privacy, to free movement, to seek asylum, to have a nationality, to freedom of thought and expression, to participate in political life, among others.
- Economic, social and cultural rights. Such as the right to food, education, health, housing, work and rest, among others.
Human rights include obligations on the part of States and citizens, since both parties are jointly responsible for ensuring that rights and freedoms are respected.
Human rights are inherent to human beings and are acquired at birth by their very condition of being. They should not be confused with privileges, which are special benefits or advantages in the face of a particular event.
Characteristics of human rights
Human rights are characterized by four premises:
- They are universal. Human rights extend to all people, without any exclusion, including nationality, gender, skin colour or beliefs.
- They are interdependent. There are no rights that are more important than others, but rather they are united at the same level of hierarchy, they all have the same value and form a whole.
- They are indivisible. Human rights cannot be divided; one cannot ignore some and only respect others.
- They are progressive. Rights are irreversible, even if new principles are incorporated. A new right does not exclude or leave in effect a previous right.
Deprivation of rights
When a person or institution affects the rights of another person or commits a crime, depending on the severity, the State through the judicial system can restrict some or all of their rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (which includes rights and obligations) aims to maintain freedom, peace and ensure a dignified lifeIf a person’s actions interfere with or nullify the rights of another, it means that he or she has failed to fulfill his or her obligations, and may be subject to a fine or judicial penalty.
This applies to individuals and institutions. In the case of crimes against humanity committed by the State (or by power structures that have taken over the government), as happened in Germany during the Nazi regime or in Argentina during the military and terrorist coups, the State can be tried and sentenced to compensate the victims or their families.
Human rights today
Despite the proclamation of Human Rights in 1948, today, Millions of people around the world do not enjoy many of the fundamental rightsThis is because there are totalitarian governments, nations in constant wars, religious doctrines or ancient beliefs, seizures of power through armed groups, among other scenarios.
All members of society have a responsibility to respect human rights: citizens, groups, companies, associations, state entities and the government. Disregard and disregard for human rights throughout history have led to acts that are infamous for humanity.
As human beings evolve, it becomes necessary to consider more principles as part of universal rights. Some are new postulates resulting from advances in lifestyle, others correspond to situations that have been occurring for a long time, but people’s level of consciousness was unable to recognize them as such.
Human evolution is a consequence of the development of consciousness and the ability to empathize, issues that have progressed constantly throughout the history of humanity. Assisted motherhood, dignified death or equal marriage are some rights or ethical values ​​discussed today, which need to be considered as universal rights.
It is essential that universal human rights be protected by a rule of law.so that no person or government can enforce or violate them. Freedom, justice and peace in the world are based on the recognition of the intrinsic dignity and rights of every individual.