Human Rights is spelled with two syllables, each consisting of a vowel and consonant sound. The first syllable begins with the "h" sound, followed by the "y" vowel sound as in "hue". The second syllable begins with the "m" sound followed by the "ən" schwa sound, and ends with the "r" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is ˈhjuː.mən ˈraɪts. It refers to the basic liberties and entitlements that are considered to belong to every person, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or nationality.
Human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are inherently entitled, simply by virtue of being human. These rights are considered universal, inalienable, and indivisible, meaning they belong to every person regardless of their nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. They are fundamental to maintaining human dignity and ensuring the equal treatment and protection of all individuals.
Human rights encompass a wide range of principles and entitlements, encompassing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Civil and political rights include fundamental freedoms such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person, as well as the right to freedom of speech, expression, and assembly. Economic, social, and cultural rights, on the other hand, encompass entitlements like the right to education, healthcare, housing, and an adequate standard of living.
The concept of human rights is grounded in various international legal instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This declaration serves as a cornerstone for human rights protection and sets out the fundamental principles and values that underpin the concept.
Human rights are integral to fostering a just and inclusive society, promoting equality and nondiscrimination, and ensuring that every individual can live a life free from fear, oppression, and injustice. They provide a framework for governments, organizations, and individuals to respect and protect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
The word "Human Rights" has its etymology in the combination of two words: "human" and "rights".
The term "human" originates from the Latin word "humanus", which is derived from the word "homo" meaning "man". It encompasses the qualities and attributes unique to human beings. The word "humanus" was adopted into Old French as "humain" and eventually became "human" in English.
The word "rights" has its roots in the Old English word "riht", meaning "just, good, fair". It is related to the Old High German word "reht" and the Gothic word "raihts". Over time, the meaning of "rights" evolved to refer specifically to the entitlements, entitlements, or powers that individuals possess.
Combining these two words, "human" and "rights", creates the term "Human Rights".