Human rights are fundamental moral principles that establish standards of behaviour for all people, regardless of their nationality or social status. They include civil and political freedoms, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, and are usually protected by international and domestic laws. Those who have rights can call upon governments to enforce those rights when they are violated. Governments are expected to provide a range of services that will allow people to live their lives with a sense of security and dignity, including access to healthcare, education, and protection against exploitation and abuse.
There are many ways that people can defend their human rights, but it is essential that all people understand and respect them. It is also vital that they understand that their rights are dependent on others, which means they have responsibilities and duties towards other people as well.
A basic understanding of human rights is vital, as it can help us to identify and tackle the issues that are causing injustice, intolerance, and oppression around the world. Born out of the atrocities of World War II, and the devastating loss of life that surrounded it, we now have a universally agreed set of human rights that form the basis for a world built on freedom, justice, and peace.
Each year, the United Nations conducts a process known as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) where every country is examined on its human rights record. The UPR is carried out by independent experts who have thematic or country mandates and are elected to three-year terms.