1. WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?

Human rights are rights we have simply because we are human beings. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that: "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." Human rights are based on the principle that human beings are of equal and intrinsic value. Even though we have our differences as far as gender, skin colour, ethnic and religious background are concerned, we have the same basic needs and the same right to protection.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the member states of the worldwide organisation the UN (the United Nations) in 1948. No countries voted against its adoption. The declaration contains 30 articles that ask the authorities to observe their citizens' rights. For the first time, human rights applied to people throughout the world.

Since 1948, states have, through the UN and other international organisations, produced many human rights documents. These international conventions prove that even though people have different views about life and interests, people from across the world can still agree on some fundamental values and work together to realise them.

Human rights define the obligations authorities have with respect to individuals. Every country has a responsibility not to treat people differently based on the colour of their skin, gender, language, religion, political or other convictions, national or social origin, property, birth or other circumstances. The state also has a responsibility to ensure people social benefits such as schooling and work, as well as access to science and culture, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom to organise and the right to participate in the governing of their country.