What are the core definitions of human rights?

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.

Human rights are a set of principles agreed upon by nearly all nations. They are founded on respect for the dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of race, colour, gender, language, religion, opinions, origins, wealth, birth status, or ability and therefore apply to every human being everywhere. These rights are protected and upheld by international and national laws and treaties.

The core definitions of human rights are based on two main documents: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, is a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights to which everyone is inherently entitled as a human being. It includes civil and political rights, like the right to life, liberty, free speech and privacy. It also includes economic, social and cultural rights, like the right to social security, health, and education.

The ICCPR, meanwhile, is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. It commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.

These rights are considered universal, meaning they apply to everyone without distinction; inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away; indivisible and interdependent, meaning all rights are equally important and none can be fully enjoyed without the others; and non-discriminatory, meaning everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.

It's important to note that while these rights are universally recognised, their interpretation and application can vary in different cultural and social contexts. This often leads to debates about cultural relativism and universalism in human rights. Despite these debates, the core principle remains that human rights are fundamental, universal, and inherent to all individuals simply because they are human.