What are the universal human rights and how do we protect them?

Understanding Universal Human Rights

Universal human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, language, or any other status.
These rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence.
They are protected and upheld by international law, and they cannot be taken away, though they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security.

In the wake of World War II, the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, setting out for the first time the fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
The UDHR comprises 30 articles that cover a range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, acting as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations.
Key rights detailed in the UDHR include the right to life, liberty, and security, freedom from slavery and torture, the right to work and education, and freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and more.

Promoting and protecting human rights is a key goal of the United Nations, who work to uphold international laws and standards on human rights.
Various treaties, conventions, and agreements drawn up by the UN form integral parts of international law, setting standards for member nations to uphold.
Nations often incorporate these principles into their own legal systems, either by embedding the principles in their constitutions or enacting laws to protect certain rights.

Citizens have a crucial role in standing up for their own rights and those of others. They can do this through peaceful protest, educating others, and supporting organisations that fight human rights abuses.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch, work tirelessly to highlight human rights abuses and lobby governments to uphold rights in their countries.
Pressure from citizens and organisations can influence governments to improve their human rights records, often driving significant societal change and advancements in human rights protection.

Protecting human rights is a global challenge. Some governments and non-state actors breach international law by committing egregious human rights abuses.
Deploying sanctions, diplomatic pressure, or, in extreme cases, military intervention to protect human rights can be controversial and may have unintended consequences.
Balancing rights can also be challenging - for example, the right to free speech does not include the right to incite violence or hatred, creating tension between different freedoms.

As well as legal instruments, ethical and moral principles play a key role in upholding human rights.
Many argue that societies and individuals have a moral duty to respect and uphold human rights, even in the absence of legal obligations.
Understanding, respect, and compassion for fellow human beings can greatly contribute to the promotion and protection of universal human rights.