human rights

[ hyoo-muhn rahyts, yoo‑ ]

plural noun

1. fundamental rights, especially those believed to belong to an individual and in whose exercise a government may not interfere, as the rights to speak, associate, work, etc.

human rights

plural noun

1. the rights of individuals to liberty, justice, etc

human rights

1. Freedom from arbitrary interference or restriction by governments. The term encompasses largely the same rights called civil liberties or civil rights but often suggests rights that have not been recognized.

Notes

Political leaders in the United States often use the expression when speaking of rights violated by other nations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of human rights¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Earlier, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba defended the US's position, saying it is within international law, but adds there are "moral ramifications for human rights defenders, and I totally get them".

From BBC

"The Latin American countries are working very hard – we will not allow the gender programme to drop and allow human rights to be dropped," she told BBC News.

From BBC

Dame Jasvinder is a prominent human rights campaigner and the founder of the charity Karma Nirvana, which helps victims of honour-based abuse.

From BBC

Imani mentioned that his organization is also focused on serving war-displaced people impacted by the disease, another complexity best addressed by local human rights organizations that are already serving displaced and traumatized populations.

From Salon

Both the army and the RSF have been accused of human rights violations that could amount to war crimes.

From BBC

Related Words

• civil rights