human rights

American  

[hyoo-muhn rahyts, yoo‑] / ˈhju mən ˈraɪts, ˈju‑ /

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.

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human rights British  

plural noun

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

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human rights Cultural  

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.

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

Etymology

Origin of human rights

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

human rights

This year's announcement sparked widespread criticism, including from the district council and human rights groups, with many residents expressing shock.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

"No person should be required to surrender their human rights in exchange for claims of technological progress."

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

"Existence cannot be banned or restricted. LGBTI+ rights are human rights!"

From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026

Kyiv has said it will honour international human rights obligations which prevent the forced repatriation of prisoners of war.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

He argued then that the time had come for racial justice advocates to shift from a civil rights to a human rights paradigm, and that the real work of movement building had only just begun.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• civil rights