Human Rights - introduction
Social Justice
content
Big idea
Human rights are basic entitlements that all people deserve, and they come with responsibilities. Religious and non-religious beliefs agree that respecting human rights is essential for justice, equality, and peaceful society.
Key words
Dignity – The idea that every person has value and deserves respect simply because they are human.
Equality – The belief that all people should be treated fairly and have the same rights and opportunities.
Human rights – Basic rights that belong to all people just for being human, such as the right to life and freedom.
Justice – Fair treatment of people and the protection of their rights.
Responsibility – A duty to act in a certain way, including respecting other people’s rights.
Sanctity of life – The belief that human life is sacred and should be protected because it is given by God.
What are human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights that all people are entitled to simply because they are human beings.
Although people may disagree about exactly which rights should be included, there is general agreement that people have rights such as:
Life
Freedom
Education
EXAM WATCH
Give an example of a human right. (1 mark)
Where do human rights come from?
For theistic religions, human rights are believed to come from God. In the Abrahamic religions, God gives humans their rights and dignity.
For example, the right to life is protected through the principle of the Sanctity of Life.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
In 1948, the United Nations published the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This document sets out the human rights that should be protected for all people across the world.
The UDHR was written by experts from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. It contains 30 rights and freedoms that apply to everyone, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or sex. The UDHR has been translated into over 500 languages, showing its global importance.
Take it further - UDHR
You can see the 30 Articles of the UDHR here.
What are human rights important?
Human rights are important because every right brings a responsibility. When individuals have rights, others are required to respect and protect them. This creates a safer society and allows people to live freely and make choices about their own lives.
Individuals also have a responsibility to use their own rights in a positive and responsible way, so they do not harm others. This balance helps society to be fair and peaceful.
Rights and responsibilities
There are two main ways to understand the link between rights and responsibilities.
Firstly, if I have the right to something, other people have a responsibility not to stop me from accessing it. For example, if I have the right to education, others should not prevent me from going to school.
Secondly, if I have a right, I have a responsibility to use it responsibly. For example, if I have the right to free speech, I should not use it to harm or insult others.
Take it further - whose responsibility?
It is clear that others should not stop you from going to school if you have a right to education. However, if you live somewhere without schools, does someone have a responsibility to provide that right? And if so, who?
This shows that some rights only require people not to interfere, while others require active support to make them a reality.