Human rights are the moral principles that govern and protect certain standards of human behavior. They are often protected in municipal and international law.
Universality
In the past decades, human rights have become a defining feature of international society. Universality of human rights is a critical concept in this context.
Human rights are a self-evident and inalienable aspect of human nature. They satisfy physical, psychological, spiritual and developmental needs. Nevertheless, there are challenges to universality.
Firstly, some states seek to deny entire categories of people the right to enjoy the various human rights. These selective approaches undermine the principles of indivisibility and interdependence.
Secondly, cultural relativism has been a major challenge to universality. Some governments use cultural diversity as a justification for denying human rights. It has also been a critical tool for certain individuals and organizations.
Finally, there are powerful people who argue against the universality of human rights. In fact, they have been campaigning against the concept.
Indivisible and interdependent
The human rights that all citizens of the world share are universal and inalienable. These rights are a reflection of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In fact, all these rights are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the world approaches the third decade of the century, governments and societies will face new challenges. These include migration, poverty, and climate change. Also, the recent pandemic has raised questions about fairness in international institutions. This has created an urgent need to promote and protect cultural rights.
However, these rights can be challenged and limited in certain circumstances. For example, a government may suspend or derogate some human rights during times of national emergency. But these can only be limited in a legally sound process.
It Is important to recognize the fact that all human rights are interdependent. This is a basic principle of international law. When one right is restricted, it affects the enjoyment of other rights.
Self-evident
The concept of human rights is not a Western invention. It developed as a reaction to the search for justice. In its broadest sense, it represents the rights of all people, without distinction.
Human rights are based on two pillars: freedom and responsibility. Freedom refers to the right of a person to lead a life free from deplorable treatment. Responsibility involves the obligation of a fully grown adult to honor the rights of others.
The concept of human rights as self-evident has deep roots in many cultures. John Locke, for instance, argued that human rights are self-evident.
This is true of religious liberty. Religious rights are those of the individual to participate in the religious community, as well as the right to worship together.
Although there are cases in which the concept of human rights is controversial, the sceptics generally believe that they are good things. Their doubts are related to whether or not they should be elevated to the status of a higher order of law.
Social
Social human rights are a fundamental part of human rights protection. They are a set of moral, legal, and societal rules that ensure equal access to goods and services. These include the right to health, education, and social security, along with free and just remuneration for work.
The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights includes provisions pertaining to social human rights. Its main decision-making body is the Committee of Ministers. The policy recommendations contained in these documents are based on the results of the policy-making process and are not binding on member states.
A Social and Economic Rights Fulfillment Index was developed by Sakiko Fukuda-Parr and Terra Lawson-Remer. This index assesses the extent to which the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are being fulfilled in the member states.
Environmental
A growing number of countries are recognizing environmental rights as part of their constitutions and legislation. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s constitutions include the right to a healthy environment. Various regional treaties and international agreements are also based on this right.
In the past two decades, the field of environmental rights has grown rapidly. Researchers have produced cutting-edge work, and a number of specialist journals have covered the topic. Environmental rights have received greater international attention since the 1972 Stockholm Declaration. However, there are still many uncertainties about the concept.
As with other forms of human rights, environmental rights are a mix of civil and political rights. The overlap between these forms of protection highlights the relationship between human and environmental well-being. For example, environmental degradation can affect the right to health, food, housing and education.
