On 10th December, we celebrate Human Rights Day. Most of us, take human rights for granted. Most of the time, we do not even think about it and we live our lives without being aware of our privilege. Others, go to prison or die while fighting for them. Let’s have a look at what they are fighting for.
Human rights are addressed to every human being on earth. His nationality, sex, ethnic origin, skin color, religion or any kind of status does not matter. Usually, these rights are protected through laws and international treaties. They force governments to respect and promote the human rights of individuals and groups.
Human rights are addressed to every human being on earth. His nationality, sex, ethnic origin, skin color, religion or any kind of status does not matter. Usually, these rights are protected through laws and international treaties. They force governments to respect and promote the human rights of individuals and groups.
Universality
This point is very important since it means that they apply to everybody. Some norms have universal protection by international law all around the globe. Furthermore, human rights are unalienable which means that they cannot be taken away. There are few exceptions, for example the right of freedom can be cut when a culprit is found guilty and goes to prison.
Indivisibility
All human rights are indivisible, it does not matter if they are civil or political, economic rights or cultural and so on. The result of which is that when one right is cut down it has a direct impact on all other rights because they are interdependent.
Non-discriminatory
Another crucial principle is non-discrimination. It forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, ethnic origin, color etc. It’s a long list. Also, this right is connected with the believe in equality of all human beings and written down in the first article of the Universal Declaration: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Obligations
Human rights are rights for us. However, at the same time, it brings obligations. While others respect our human rights, of course we have to respect their rights, too. Moreover, the state is obligated to protect human rights and has to take action to make them reality.
This point is very important since it means that they apply to everybody. Some norms have universal protection by international law all around the globe. Furthermore, human rights are unalienable which means that they cannot be taken away. There are few exceptions, for example the right of freedom can be cut when a culprit is found guilty and goes to prison.
Indivisibility
All human rights are indivisible, it does not matter if they are civil or political, economic rights or cultural and so on. The result of which is that when one right is cut down it has a direct impact on all other rights because they are interdependent.
Non-discriminatory
Another crucial principle is non-discrimination. It forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, ethnic origin, color etc. It’s a long list. Also, this right is connected with the believe in equality of all human beings and written down in the first article of the Universal Declaration: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Obligations
Human rights are rights for us. However, at the same time, it brings obligations. While others respect our human rights, of course we have to respect their rights, too. Moreover, the state is obligated to protect human rights and has to take action to make them reality.
