noun

human rights

HYOO-muhn RYTSS

Human rights (noun) means 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. Example: “The report accuses the government of serious human rights abuses.”

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.

"The report accuses the government of serious human rights abuses."

"Access to clean water is increasingly treated as a human rights issue."

adjective

Concerned with the defence or monitoring of those freedoms.

"She works for a human rights organisation in Geneva."

How to Use Human rights

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe basic protections and freedoms everyone should have just for being a person.

When to use it

Neutral and formal; standard in law, politics and journalism. Usually treated as a plural noun.

Memory tip

Hyphenate before a noun in careful editing: human-rights lawyer, though many publications leave it open.

Easily confused with

civil rights civil liberties natural rights

Common pairings

human rights abuses human rights violations human rights law human rights record basic human rights

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The report accuses the government of serious _____ abuses.

Synonyms

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fundamental rights civil liberties basic freedoms

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.