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

And at that time, there were also outbreaks of crime, said Marino Alvarado, a former coordinator of the human rights NGO Provea.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

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

Several political leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organisations have expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, describing them as part of democratic expression protected under the country's onstitution.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

In one case, this bloc overturned precedent that permitted lawsuits against corporations for human rights abuses.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026

The Indentured Servant Protection Agency also used it to monitor and record my daily activities, to ensure that my human rights were being observed.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

• civil rights