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

Relations between Spain and Mexico deteriorated in 2019 when Sheinbaum's predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, demanded that Spain apologise for human rights violations during its conquest.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

On Monday, Mexico’s Foreign Ministry deployed unusually forceful language in condemning detention centers as “incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of human life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Three human rights groups called on Leo last week to push the issue during his visit.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

International observers, including human rights groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, were also present in court.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Farmer, who championed human rights and clearly was on the side of the poor, was arguing against it.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• civil rights