What are human rights?
IHRC Human Rights Guide for the Civil & Public Service"...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights
of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."
Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
Human rights are rights inherent in human beings simply because we exist. They reflect the dignity and worth of every person.
We are all equally entitled to these rights without discrimination regardless of our nationality, place of residence, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, birth, age, race, religion, language, or any other status.Observing human rights demands that your human dignity be respected and that you, in turn, respect the dignity of all other human beings.
Human rights cover a broad range of rights, such as freedom from ill-treatment, the right to liberty, the freedoms of expression, thought, religion and assembly, the right to education and to an adequate standard of living. Human rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.They are found both in the Irish Constitution (see below) and under international human rights treaties.
For a brief introduction to human rights standards please see the IHRC Human Rights Guide
History
The modern story of international human rights law starts with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which was signed in Paris in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Human rights are now found in a growing number of international treaties, laws and national constitutions.
International human rights law obliges Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts in order to promote and protect human rights.
Human Rights Principles
Human rights are universal, interdependent and indivisible. Everyone has them without discrimination.
Universality
Considered the cornerstone of international human rights law. This principle means that all people have inalienable human rights. Those rights cannot be taken away, except in specific circumstances and according to due process. For example, the right to liberty may be removed if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of law.
Interdependent & Indivisibile
Human rights are interdependent. Human rights are complementary. In certain cases, when one right is denied, it can lead to other rights violations. Likewise, the improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Human Rights include:
- civil and political rights (such as the rights to life and liberty) and
- economic, social and cultural rights (such as the rights to work, social security and education).
For example, the right to education may be considered the key that unlocks other rights, such as health and work.
People cannot assert their economic, social and cultural rights without civil and political rights. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right may adversely affect others.
Non-Discrimination
Non-discrimination means that we are equally entitled to human rights without discrimination regardless of our nationality, place of residence, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, birth, age, race, religion, language, or any other status. This does not mean that all difference in treatment is discriminatory; however, if a difference of treatment is based on your status, it must be capable of being justified - it must be a proportionate act of the State.
Rights & Obligations
Human rights entail both entitlements and obligations. States assume obligations under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights:
- Respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights.
- Protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses.
- Fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights.