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

Signatories to that statement included ex-justice secretary Robert Buckland, former attorney general Dominic Grieve, and Lady Cherie Blair, a human rights lawyer and wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair.

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The group paid tribute to Minelli, saying he had led a "life for freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights".

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A European Parliament vote on Thursday called for the release of "all those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression, including political prisoners and human rights defenders" in Tunisia.

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The committee regularly reviews the records of all countries which have signed the convention against torture, taking testimony from their governments, and from human rights groups.

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“I think it’s important to take advantage of the stage we have to share messages about the environment and human rights,” guitarist Sergio Vallín told The Times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil rights