Human rights

Definition and Origins

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, language, or any other status.
They emerged from the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, largely as a response to the atrocities of World War II.
They enshrine key principles like equality, fairness, dignity and respect, and are legally protected by international conventions, treaties and laws.

Types of Human Rights

Civil and political rights: These are rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organisations, and private individuals.
Economic, social and cultural rights: These are socio-economic human rights, such as the right to education, right to health, right to social security, the right to work, and the right to an adequate standard of living.
Collective rights: These include rights to development, self-determination, peace, a clean environment, and other rights of peoples and groups.

Key Issues and Controversies

Cultural relativism vs Universalism: There is a long-standing debate between those who argue human rights are universally applicable and those who believe that human rights should accommodate cultural differences.
Implementation and Enforcement: There are challenges in implementing and enforcing human rights globally, often due to political constraints and international sovereignty issues.
Trade-offs and conflicts: Some human rights can conflict. For example, the right to freedom of speech vs the right to a private life.
Economic and social rights: There’s a debate over whether these are true human rights, as they require active provision of services and resources.

Human Rights and the International Community

The United Nations: Acts as a global watchdog for human rights abuses and works to protect and promote human rights through its Human Rights Council.
International Courts: Bodies such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) adjudicate on matters of human rights.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch work to highlight abuses and lobby for change.

Human rights in the UK

Human rights are protected in the UK through the Human Rights Act 1998.
The Equality Act 2010 enshrines equal rights in the UK and prohibits discrimination.
The UK has been criticised for certain human rights issues, including its treatment of asylum seekers and erosions of civil liberties under anti-terror legislation.