General Human Rights

Human Rights are a term heard often, all over the world.  Many people cannot define this term and also do not know that they have these rights.

So, what are Human Rights? 

A “Right” is something that we are allowed to do, or to have, and to be, simply by being human.  There are 30 basic Human Rights included in “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.  This document is seen as a milestone in the history of Human Rights, drafted by representatives of different legal and cultural backgrounds from all over the world.  This declaration was a direct response to the horrors of war, especially World War II, and also the beginning of International Human Rights law.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

1. We are all free and equal.
2. Don’t discriminate.
3. The right to life.
4. No slavery.
5. No Torture.
6. We all have the same right to use the law.
7. We are all protected by the law.
8. Fair treatment by fair courts.
9. No unfair detainment.
10. The right to trial.
11. Innocent until proven guilty.
12. The right to privacy.
13. Freedom to move.
14. The right to asylum.
15. The right to a nationality.
16. Marriage and family.
17. Your own things.
18. Freedom of thought.
19. Free to say what you want.
20. Meet where you like.
21. The right to democracy.
22. The right to social security.
23. Workers’ right.
24. The right to play.
25. A bed and some food.
26. The right to education.
27. Culture and copyright.
28. A free and fair world.
29. Our responsibilities.
30. Nobody can take away these rights and freedoms from us.

These 30 Human Rights are seen as a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations.  It should be kept in mind, constantly through educating all people of all countries and nationalities and teaching respect for these rights and freedoms.  All of these Human Rights can actually be seen as laws that should be followed in everyday life as well as on an International level between countries.

Each Country undertakes to implement domestic measures and legislation in a way that will work best within their country’s own laws and legislature, but will still be compatible with their treaty obligations and duties towards the “International Bill of Human Rights”.  Sanctions and other measures might be taken against countries not keeping to their treaties and obligations.  Individuals may be held accountable, and be convicted, as a result of violating the Human Rights laws, when brought before a law enforcing tribunal.

Human Rights, in any society, cannot be protected without a strong rule of law.  In order to turn a Human Right principle into a reality, this rule of law is needed as an implementation mechanism.  Recognition of the inherent dignity and equality of all humans, as stated in, “The Declaration of Human Rights”, and including, the inalienable, rights going with that, secures it as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace all over the world.