human rights
What is the opposite of human rights? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — The basic freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to simply for being human, such as the right to life, liberty, a fair trial, free expression and freedom from torture or slavery — regardless of nationality, sex, religion or any other status.
How to use human rights
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
human rights abuses
human rights violations
human rights law
human rights record
basic human rights
Neutral and formal; standard in law, politics and journalism. Usually treated as a plural noun.
Etymology
From human right + -s (suffix forming plural nouns and pluralia tantum).
Full origin of human rights →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between human rights and civil rights?
Human rights belong to every person everywhere, whatever country they are in, and are set out in international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Civil rights are the specific protections a particular state grants its citizens through its own law and constitution. A government can strip civil rights by legislation; human rights are held to exist regardless.
Are human rights legally enforceable?
Partly. They are recognised in binding treaties and in national laws such as the UK's Human Rights Act, and can be argued in court where those apply. But enforcement depends on the state or international body concerned, which is why abuses often go unpunished.
How many human rights are there?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sets out thirty articles. Later treaties expand on them, so there is no single fixed number — the thirty articles are the usual reference point.
