What is Human Rights?, Its evolution, Importance of Human Rights and more

Human rights are things we all have just because we’re human. They’re not given by any government. These rights belong to everyone, no matter where they’re from, what they look like, or what they believe. Some basic human rights include the right to stay alive, to have food, to learn, to have a job, to stay healthy, and to be free.

Today, in this Blog we will talk about Human Rights! They’re super important. Human Rights are like the rules that say everyone should be treated fairly and with respect, no matter who they are. Our Human Rights Awakening Team will give you overview about the Evolution of Human Rights, Importance of Human Rights, Types of Human Rights and International Organisations related to Human Rights Awakening and National Human Rights Commission. Human Rights have been around for a while and they’ve changed and gotten better over time. 

Evolution of Human Rights 

1. First Generation Rights:

   – Originated during the English, French, and American Revolutions.

   – Emphasize liberty and include rights like the right to life, liberty, property, and freedom of thought and religion.

   – Also include freedom from arbitrary arrest and discrimination.

   – Seen as negative rights, meaning they require others to refrain from restricting them.

2. Second Generation Rights:

   – Gained prominence after World War II due to economic devastation.

   – Focus on equality and include rights like the right to work, healthcare, education, and social security.

   – Based on socialist principles and seen as positive rights, requiring the state to take action.

3. Third Generation Rights:

   – Emerged post-1945 and are collective rights focusing on society as a whole.

   – Centered around fraternity and include rights like the right to development, environmental protection, self-determination, and peace.

   – Shaped by challenges faced by countries in the Global South.

Overall, human rights have evolved over time from basic civil and political liberties to broader economic, social, and cultural rights, and finally to collective solidarity rights focusing on societal well-being.

Importance of Human rights

1: Human rights make sure everyone gets what they need

Everyone should have medicine, food, water, clothes, and a safe place to live. These are basic rights that make people feel respected. But lots of folks still don’t have these things. Saying it’s about human rights helps people work to get them for everyone.

2: Human rights protect people who can be hurt easily

Long ago, after World War II and the terrible things that happened during it, people decided to make rules to protect everyone. This was because some groups, like people with disabilities and LGBT folks, were treated very badly. Human rights groups focus on helping those who might get hurt by powerful people.

3: Human rights let people say no to bad stuff in their community

Human rights mean you can speak up if something’s wrong. This is why things like the right to gather together are important. No place is perfect, so human rights help people demand respect from their community or their boss. When they don’t get it, they can stand up for themselves.

4: Human rights let people say what they think without fear

Being able to say what you believe without getting in trouble is really important. It means you can share ideas even if not everyone agrees. Nobody should feel scared of their government just because of what they think. It also means you can argue about things without getting punished.

5: Human rights let people practice their religion freely

Throughout history, people have fought because of religion. Human rights say it’s okay for everyone to believe what they want. It also says you don’t have to believe in anything if you don’t want to. It’s about respecting everyone’s beliefs and letting them worship how they want.

6: Human rights let people love who they want

Being able to choose who you love is super important. Some places don’t let people love freely, especially LGBT folks or women who are forced into marriages. Human rights make sure everyone can love without being hurt or forced.

7: Human rights say everyone should have a fair chance at work

Having a job is key for living well in society. But sometimes, workplaces aren’t fair. Human rights help make sure everyone gets treated right at work, no matter who they are.

8: Human rights mean everyone should get to learn

Learning is really important, especially in places where there’s not much money. Human rights groups and governments make sure everyone can go to school and get what they need to learn, not just some people.

9: Human rights protect nature

We need the Earth to live, so it’s important to take care of it. Human rights say everyone should have clean air, water, and land. Protecting the environment is just as important as other rights.

10: Human rights set rules for governments

When the UDHR came out, it was a big deal. It told the world that during WWII, lots of people’s rights were ignored. Now, human rights help make sure governments do the right thing. It’s like having rules to keep everyone safe and fair.

Types of Human Rights

Human rights can be sorted into different types:

1. Civil and Political Rights: These protect personal freedom and participation in government. They include things like the right to life, privacy, and voting.

2. Fundamental Rights: These are guaranteed by a country’s constitution and can’t be taken away, like the right to equality and religion.

3. Natural Rights: These come from ancient ideas and focus on basic moral values, like respect and protecting life.

4. Moral Rights: These guide moral behavior, promoting values like peace and respect for everyone.

5. Legal Rights: These are recognized by a country’s laws, with each right having a duty attached to it. Governments must protect these rights.

6. Economic, Cultural, and Social Rights: These ensure basic necessities like work and education. Governments must actively provide for these rights.

There are also collective rights, which groups of people share, like the right to self-determination and protection from genocide.

International Human Rights Conventions and Bodies:

1- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): It lists 30 rights and freedoms, covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. India helped create the UDHR. Along with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it forms the International Bill of Human Rights.

2- Human Rights Conventions: India is part of many human rights agreements, like the Convention on Genocide, the Convention on Racial Discrimination, and the Convention on Rights of the Child, among others.

3- Human Rights Council: This group in the United Nations looks after human rights worldwide. It has 47 member countries chosen by the UN General Assembly. Every four years, it checks on human rights in all UN countries. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights helps run it.

4- Amnesty International: This global group is made of volunteers who fight for human rights. They write reports on human rights abuses everywhere.

To become a part of Human Rights Awakening, simply click on the “Be a Part of It” button located at the top of our website. By doing so, you can join our organization’s mission to raise awareness and advocate for human rights worldwide. Additionally, if you wish to make a monetary contribution, you can easily do so by filling out the form on our website under the “Be a Part of It” section. Our organization will then contact you to discuss how you can further support our efforts in promoting justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals. Join us today and make a meaningful impact in the world of human rights.hu