human rights

American  

[hyoo-muhn rahyts, yoo‑] / ˈhyu mən ˈraɪts, ˈyu‑ /

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

On Friday, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner warned that Serbia's rights situation had worsened, citing attacks on activists and journalists, shrinking civic space and alleged police abuses at protests.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

South Africa's international standing has meanwhile been dented, undermining its post-apartheid image as a champion of human rights and African solidarity.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

“For me, human rights in essence is about human agency,” Roth said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Article 2 of the framework commits the UK not to water down human rights provisions, underpinned by EU law, that flow from the Good Friday Agreement.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

They focus on the North’s chronic food shortages, human rights violations, military provocations, nuclear program, and dependence on China.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Related Words

• civil rights