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

The United Nations on Friday called for the safe evacuation and repatriation of some 6,000 sailors stuck in a "dire humanitarian and human rights crisis" in the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Lance Armstrong said on his podcast that “this isn’t a sporting issue now. Two a.m. is a human rights issue.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

A review of proposed grants shows several are being directed to more traditional human rights purposes, but even some of those have raised concerns in and outside the State Department.

From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026

Beyond financing concerns, she also lamented the "serious pushback on human rights" for those with HIV, which was "pushing people underground" and away from receiving testing, prevention and treatment.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

“There can be no lighter topics when human rights are being infringed upon.”

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Related Words

• civil rights