Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth to death. They are based on shared values such as dignity, fairness, equality, and respect, and they are not granted by any state but are inherent to all human beings.

The modern human rights framework was established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948. It includes civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, free speech, education, and a fair trial. Human rights are protected by international law and national constitutions, though violations persist.

Key points

• Inherent to all human beings
• Established in the UDHR (1948)
• Include civil, political, economic, social, cultural rights
• Protected by international and national law