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Legal Terms – Human Rights
Human rights are the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that belong to every human being, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or status.
They are rooted in the belief in human dignity and equality, and they impose duties on governments to respect, protect, and fulfil these rights.
The modern legal foundation of human rights lies in:
Under the Human Rights Act, all public authorities and courts must interpret and apply laws in a way that is compatible with the Convention rights. Individuals can bring claims against public bodies for breaches of these rights.
Examples include rights to:
Human rights are the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that belong to every human being, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or status.
They are rooted in the belief in human dignity and equality, and they impose duties on governments to respect, protect, and fulfil these rights.
The modern legal foundation of human rights lies in:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) — a landmark United Nations document outlining basic rights such as life, liberty, and freedom of expression.
- The International Covenants of 1966 — one on Civil and Political Rights and another on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which are legally binding on ratifying states.
- Regional instruments like the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) (1950), which was incorporated into UK law via the Human Rights Act 1998.
Under the Human Rights Act, all public authorities and courts must interpret and apply laws in a way that is compatible with the Convention rights. Individuals can bring claims against public bodies for breaches of these rights.
Examples include rights to:
- Life and freedom from torture,
- Fair trial and privacy,
- Freedom of speech and religion,
- Protection from discrimination
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