Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms entitled to any person, regardless of economic status, nationality, jurisdiction, age, ability, ethnicity, sex, and sexuality. These basic rights are the right to life, freedom, equality, justice, and freedom of thought and expression.

In 1948, the world community spoke through the United Nations by establishing a framework for human rights awareness and protection with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This was the first time that the protection of human rights was officially declared an international responsibility. Since then, human rights education and awareness has taken root in countries all over the world. The UDHR is based on values that are shared by ancient philosophies and many religious traditions,... (more)

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms entitled to any person, regardless of economic status, nationality, jurisdiction, age, ability, ethnicity, sex, and sexuality. These basic rights are the right to life, freedom, equality, justice, and freedom of thought and expression.

In 1948, the world community spoke through the United Nations by establishing a framework for human rights awareness and protection with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This was the first time that the protection of human rights was officially declared an international responsibility. Since then, human rights education and awareness has taken root in countries all over the world. The UDHR is based on values that are shared by ancient philosophies and many religious traditions, especially the idea that along with our individual rights, we each have a responsibility to protect the rights of other human beings. While most people share the same desires for freedom, respect, security, equality, and justice, the actual language and philosophy of human rights has been criticized on the basis of cultural imperialism [this sentence is vague] – meaning, the authority of Western European and North American cultural values and practices.

The achievement of human rights for all is an ongoing battle, but there are numerous grassroots and non-governmental organizations dedicated to its development. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are established and effective international organizations, but there are many more players on the local level. It is the role of citizens, communities, grassroots organizations, and governments, as well as the United Nations, to prevent human rights violations, raise awareness of human rights and responsibilities, secure respect for all human rights, and promote international cooperation to protect human rights. (wiki)