Overview

Rights you have simply because you are human. Not because the King gave them to you, but because you exist.

Core Idea

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Adopted by the UN in 1948 (after the horrors of WWII). Eleanor Roosevelt called it the “Magna Carta for all mankind.”

Formal Definition (if applicable)

Negative Rights: Freedom from interference (Free Speech, No Torture). The government just has to leave you alone. Positive Rights: Freedom to something (Education, Healthcare). The government has to provide something.

Intuition

  • Inalienable: You can’t lose them, and you can’t sell them.
  • Universal: They apply everywhere, regardless of culture.

Examples

  • Article 1: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
  • Amnesty International: An NGO that fights for political prisoners.
  • Refugee Rights: The right to seek asylum.

Common Misconceptions

  • “Rights are absolute.” (No, your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins. Rights can be limited for public safety).
  • “Economic rights aren’t real rights.” (Controversial. The US focuses on political rights; other countries emphasize economic rights).
  • Cultural Relativism: The argument that “Western” human rights shouldn’t apply to other cultures. (Often used by dictators to justify abuse).
  • Humanitarian Intervention: Using force to stop genocide (R2P: Responsibility to Protect).

Applications

  • International Law: War crimes tribunals.
  • Corporate Responsibility: Nike and sweatshops.

Criticism / Limitations

Enforcement. Who stops a dictator from killing his own people? (Usually no one, unless they have oil).

Further Reading

  • Glendon, A World Made New
  • Moyn, The Last Utopia