Understanding the Concept of Human Rights: Definition, Mean

Introduction

Human beings are endowed with the capacity to think and act, which empowers them to shape their lives. To facilitate the fulfilment of these abilities and enhance their well-being, they by virtue of their being human, are honoured with inherent rights. The inherent nature of rights conveys the idea that human rights are fundamental and intrinsic to all human beings, existing by virtue of their humanity rather than being granted by an external authority.

Human rights are fundamental freedoms and protections that belong to every individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other status. These rights ensures dignity, equality, and respect for all individuals. The concept of human rights has evolved over time and is now an essential pillar in international law and ethical governance. Here, we will understand the concept of human rights, offering a comprehensive understanding of why they matter and how they shape our world.

Meaning of Human Rights

Human rights are inherent entitlements afforded to individuals by virtue of their humanity, recognising them as distinct from all other forms of existence. These rights are essential for the realisation of the human purpose, which is to live harmoniously, coexist peacefully, and cultivate self-sufficiency, while fostering the full development of human faculties to their utmost potential. Human rights are privileges conferred upon individuals to facilitate the comprehensive growth of their personalities and the preservation of their dignity.

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person simply because they are human. These rights are inherent in humans and the governments or organizations are formed and created to protect its people and their rights through laws, treaties and conventions. Human rights aim to ensure that everyone can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. They cover a broad spectrum of personal, social, economic, and political rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and access to education and healthcare.

Human rights are universally recognised and form the foundation for justice, peace, and security worldwide. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, is a key document that has shaped the global understanding of human rights.

Definition of Human Rights

The concept of human rights have been defined and discussed by various international organizations, thinkers and scholars. Below are some authoritative definitions that help clarify the concept:

H J Laski in his A Grammar of Politics, 1925 defined human rights as, “those conditions of social life without which no man can seek, in general, to be himself at his best,” is one of the most authoritative definition.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, offers a foundational definition of human rights emphasizing the inherent dignity of all human beings and their equality in rights, regardless of their background. Article 1 of the UDHR states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Moreover, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted by the UN in 1966, along with other international, regional and national laws and documents further expands on the meaning and scope of human rights.

The concise definition provided by Oxford English Dictionary, i.e., “A right that is believed to belong justifiably to every person,”captures the essence of human rights as universal entitlements that belong to all individuals by virtue of their humanity.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen in his work on justice and human rights, defines human rights as:
“Rights that are fundamental to human life and well-being, that are not just legal rights but ethical ones, that promote the capacities and opportunities for people to lead lives they have reason to value.” It emphasizes the connection between human rights and human development, arguing that rights are not only legal protections but also moral imperatives that enable individuals to live fulfilling lives.

Organised Rights

As the state and society evolved, human rights got structured and systematic. In modern state system, human rights are enshrined in the laws of the State, and the State and its institutions are tasked with protecting these rights. These rights serve as limits on the power of the State. Human rights are granted to individuals as a safeguard against the State, meaning the State cannot discriminate against any person or group on any grounds. Instead, the State exists to protect and promote these rights.

To promote the organization of human rights on a global scale, international institutions are also established dedicated to defining and upholding the universal nature of human rights and play a crucial role in ensuring that fundamental rights are recognized and respected worldwide, regardless of cultural, national, or regional differences.

Through treaties, conventions, and agreements, they work to create a unified framework that holds governments accountable for protecting the dignity and freedoms of all individuals. By fostering international cooperation and dialogue, these institutions are tasked to eliminate injustices and promote equality, ensuring that human rights are universally upheld and protected for every person, everywhere.

Human Rights and Responsibilities

Although human beings are born with inherent and inalienable rights, human responsibilities and limitations are also intrinsically linked to their rights, particularly when it comes to controlling undue, unlawful, and illegal actions. These responsibilities are intended to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent discrimination, suppression, or violation of the rights of others based on factors such as color, race, religion, or any other grounds.

This balance fosters an environment of equilibrium in society, where individuals live self-sufficiently, peacefully, and in harmony with one another. Humane life is unimaginable without rights and responsibilities, which are equally provided to all people, allowing them to coexist peacefully, harmoniously, and in a non-violent manner.

Their ability to act is limited by the rights of others. For instance, an individual’s freedom of speech does not extend to hate speech, as it infringes upon the rights and sentiments of others. The right to life does not justify taking the lives of others to preserve one’s own, just as the right to own property does not grant the right to seize another’s belongings. Similarly, the right to movement does not entitle one to trespass on someone else’s property.

Limiting the Dominance and Undue Influence

Human rights play a crucial role in safeguarding the dignity, freedom, and equality of all individuals. At the heart of this framework lies the fundamental principle that no individual, group, or authority should hold undue dominance or exert disproportionate influence over others. By establishing a set of universally recognized standards, human rights help to curb the concentration of power and prevent the exploitation of individuals, ensuring that the rights and freedoms of each person are respected.

One of the key functions of human rights is to create a balance of power, ensuring that no one is subjugated or oppressed by the will of another. They protect individuals from any form of tyranny or coercion, whether exercised by the state, corporations, or other individuals. These rights serve as a shield against abuse, providing a legal and moral framework for challenging actions that seek to undermine individual autonomy or manipulate others for personal gain.

Human rights serve as a counterbalance to the potential for the unchecked dominance of one person over another. Whether in the form of authoritarian governance, exploitative relationships, or abusive practices, human rights assert that every individual has the right to live free from undue control, coercion, or discrimination. For example, the right to freedom of expression ensures that individuals can voice their opinions without fear of retaliation or suppression, thus preventing the dominance of any one individual or group who might otherwise seek to silence dissent.

In personal relationships, human rights provide the legal basis for protecting individuals from domestic abuse, exploitation, and manipulation. The rights to bodily integrity, autonomy, and freedom from violence ensure that no person can assert control over another in harmful ways. For instance, the prohibition of slavery and forced labor directly limits the ability of one individual to exert absolute control over another’s life and work.

Undue Influence and Human Rights

Undue influence occurs when one person exerts excessive power or control over another, often leading to exploitation or manipulation. This can manifest in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to business transactions, and even in political settings. Human rights help to define the boundaries of acceptable influence, asserting that all individuals are entitled to make decisions about their lives free from manipulation, deception, or coercion. For instance, the right to privacy safeguards individuals from unwarranted surveillance or intrusion, preventing others from exerting undue influence over their personal decisions.

In the political realm, human rights limit the influence of those in power, ensuring that leaders and institutions are held accountable to the people they serve. The right to vote and participate in democratic processes gives every citizen a voice, limiting the ability of any individual or elite group to dominate political decision-making.

The Role of Legal Protections

The enforcement of human rights through legal systems plays a critical role in limiting dominance and undue influence. International treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and regional human rights conventions establish a global framework for protecting individuals from oppression and manipulation. National laws further reinforce these protections, ensuring that individuals can seek redress for violations of their rights and hold those who abuse power accountable.

Through judicial systems, individuals can challenge infringements on their rights and seek justice for abuses of power. Legal avenues such as the right to a fair trial and the right to due process ensure that no person is subjected to arbitrary decisions or undue influence in legal matters, thereby protecting individuals from exploitation and coercion by more powerful entities.

Conclusion

The concept of human rights implies that rights are fundamental to the creation of a just and equitable society, and one of their most vital functions is to limit the undue dominance and influence of one person over another. By upholding the principles of equality, freedom, and autonomy, human rights protect individuals from exploitation, manipulation, and oppression. In doing so, they foster a world in which all people have the opportunity to live with dignity, make their own choices, and be free from the harmful influence of others.

Rights are part of the moral and legal fabric that binds societies together. They encompass a wide array of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, all of which are necessary to ensure that every individual can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. Over time, the scope of the concept of human rights has expanded to include not only individual protections but also collective rights and environmental concerns, reflecting the changing dynamics of global society.

Understanding the concept of human rights allows us to appreciate their vital importance in creating just and equitable societies. As we continue to face global challenges, it remains crucial to uphold and promote human rights to ensure a better and fairer world for all.