Human rights recognise the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like, what we think or what we believe.
Human rights are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, which are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies. They are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives.
Respect for human rights is the cornerstone of strong communities in which everyone can make a contribution and feel included. This TikTok from Human Rights Watch explains what they are.
@humanrightswatch Back to the basics! You know we 👀 human rights…but do you know what those human rights are? Like + follow for more in our Human Rights 101 series ➡️ #humanrights #news #edutok ♬ original sound – Human Rights Watch
Where did human rights come from?
For thousands of years and across countless cultures, the philosophy we now call human rights has existed in various forms. As early as 1760 BCE in Babylon, King Hammurabi drafted the ‘Code of Hammurabi,’ one of the earliest legal documents, promising to ‘make justice reign in the kingdom and promote the good of the people.’ Centuries later, in 1215, Britain’s King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta, establishing that even the monarch was not above the law.
Human rights haven’t just been present in legislation or agreements. Many religious doctrines and leaders preach respect for all people, such as the Confusion teaching of ‘Jen’ or ‘benevolence to all people’, and Buddha’s advocation of morality and non-violence. Similar principles can be found in the teachings of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammad.
This means that human rights are not a new concept, but a belief found across time and location. The way we know them today is because of the work of the United Nations and Elanor Roosevelt who drafted: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The declaration was adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948 and sets out the basic rights and freedoms that apply to all people. Drafted in the aftermath of World War Two, it has become a foundation document that has inspired many legally binding international human rights laws.
To learn more about human rights and how they have been applied in Australia, watch this video by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
How do these rights affect our everyday lives?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights helps countries around the world make laws that are fair and equitable for everyone, no matter what. Human rights apply every day in Australia, no matter who you are, such as:
- The right to clean drinking water
- Right to live in safety, free from harm
- Having enough food to eat
- Access to education
- Right to justice
- Right to medical care
- Right to a fair trial
There are many, many other examples of human rights. For instance, in Australia, it is against the law to fire someone from their job because of their race, gender, religion, pregnancy status, or sexuality. To do so would be unlawful and an infringement of their human rights.
Are our rights ever threatened?
Unfortunately, yes. Around the world, and in Australia, there are people whose human rights are being violated.
A prominent example here in so-called Australia is the unfair treatment of First Nations people, especially by the legal and prison systems. First Nations folk are over-represented in our prisons due to racial profiling and have lost lives while in custody. Read more about First Nations rights here.
What can you do to protect our human rights?
- Word yourself up: understand what human rights are, how they are implemented in our society, and where they are at risk. Knowledge is power!
- Become connected: the Australian Human Rights Commission is an excellent place to start exploring human rights issues.
- Talk about it: the best way you can begin to make an impact on a human rights issue is by talking it over with your friends, relatives and teachers. Spread the word about it, and see if there are opportunities for you to make a difference.
- Get involved: find out what human rights organisations are operating near you and how you can support their work.
