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.

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

He was quoted as saying the Labour leader "was over-reliant on advice given by others; he had no in-depth experience of prosecuting… he was a defence and human rights lawyer".

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Moreover, defense attorneys said the bank had no knowledge of the human rights violations.

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A French human rights group on Thursday filed a legal complaint against Airbnb and Booking.com, accusing them of promoting "occupation tourism" by listing accommodation in Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

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Since 1776, more than 100 countries have issued similar declarations, Mr. Skic noted, and the original has inspired global movements for political, social and human rights.

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UN-appointed human rights experts have described the raids as "extrajudicial executions".

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Related Words

• civil rights