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

See Examples For:

human rights

Beyond financing concerns, she also lamented the "serious pushback on human rights" for those with HIV, which was "pushing people underground" and away from receiving testing, prevention and treatment.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

They also said the administration has serious concerns about the human rights situation in South Africa that need to be addressed.

From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026

FIFA’s selective moral leadership — claiming the high ground on fair play, inclusion and human rights — cannot be credible without meaningful action on gender-based violence.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

"We remain committed to defending human rights, including both the rights of women and the rights of trans people."

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

But he had decided what he wanted to do with the rest of his life: he would be a human rights activist and raise international awareness about the existence of the labor camps.

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