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.

---

human rights British  

plural noun

1. the rights of individuals to liberty, justice, etc

---

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.

---

Discover More

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

Meta's Oversight Board warned that expanding the model outside the United States could pose "significant human rights risks and contribute to tangible harms" to people living under repression or conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

A bulk of those funds were distributed by grants approved by the human rights commission.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Foreign-based human rights organisations have also reported Alireza's death.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

No date for the report’s release has been set, leaving human rights advocates fearing the issues will not get the attention and funding they deserve.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

I told them I believed in the Freedom Charter, that the charter embodied principles of democracy and human rights, and that it was not a blueprint for socialism.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• civil rights