Human rights are the basic freedoms every person is entitled to simply because they are humans. They are not privileges which can be taken away at someone’s whim and they cannot be earned or bought. They are inherent in the fact of being human, although they can be restricted under certain circumstances, for example, if a crime is committed or in times of national emergency.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the first international agreement which systematically sets out fundamental human rights. It was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world. The UDHR shows us that people’s rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. It tells us that no one can be treated differently on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, language, religion or political or other opinion, national or social origin, property or birth. It is also important to remember that human rights are not just about freedoms, but about duties and responsibilities. Everyone has a duty to respect other people’s human rights and everyone has a responsibility to protect them.
It is a shame that teachers in school and universities rarely offer human rights education. This is a vital area of study that should be an integral part of the curriculum in medical schools, law schools, universities and police and military academies. Inquiry-based and socially engaged teaching practices are key to this learning.