Summary of Human Rights

Definition of Human Rights

Human Rights: Fundamental rights belonging to every individual, regardless of race, gender, age, nationality, or religion.
Human and Right:
- Human: A member of the species Homo sapiens.
- Right: Morally good, justified or acceptable.

Key milestones in the establishment of human rights include:

Unknown: Origins related to The Ten Commandments.
539 BCE: Cyrus Cylinder.
1215: Magna Carta.
1628: British Petition of Rights.
1689: British Bill of Rights.
1776: United States Declaration of Independence.
1789: French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.
1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
1966 - 2007: Various conventions and acts relating to rights, including the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities.

Human rights are grounded in the dignity, freedom, and respect owed to every individual.
They are articulated through international laws and domestic statutes.

The term "right" often implies automatic entitlement, though rights are typically granted by laws or statutes.
Conflict of Rights: Certain rights may be restricted, especially when they conflict with other rights (e.g., freedom of expression vs. anti-discrimination laws).
Absolute Rights: Some rights are recognized as inviolable under international law, such as the prohibition of torture or slavery.

Legal Rights: Established by common or statute law.
- Example: Common law rights arose from cases like Donoghue v Stevenson (1932), which established the duty of care.
Moral Rights: Rooted in ethical considerations rather than legal statutes.

This overview highlights the evolution and significance of human rights in ensuring justice and dignity for all individuals within society.