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

Nobody should be sent back to a place where they could face serious human rights violations or other irreversible harm, he added.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

"All these factors exacerbate vulnerability and raise serious concerns as to whether some of these deaths in ICE custody could have been prevented," said Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Supporters view her as a peaceful human rights campaigner who gave a voice to families, especially women, affected by conflict.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

In the process, she gutted the ATS—a law signed by President George Washington in 1789—and slammed the door on countless suits against corporations complicit in human rights abuses.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026

Most human-rights activists sincerely believe in the existence of human rights.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Related Words

• civil rights