importance of human rights in society essay

Human Rights Education

Why Are Human Rights Important Essay

The concept of human rights is actually relatively recent and our current standard for human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was only published in 1948. But why are human rights important in the first place? Human rights are important because they ensure that each person has their basic rights of freedom, dignity, education, equal opportunity, health and justice protected. They protect people from bias and provide a support for fighting corruption and injustice. Even though most nations have adopted the Universal Declaration as a guide, there are still millions of people who suffer human rights violations every day. The human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration give individuals, advocacy organizations, governments and legal entities the ability to challenge, hold responsible and prosecute those who infringe upon those rights (United Nations, Universal).

Human rights are important for a number of reasons that, today, are often taken for granted. They protect vulnerable populations such as immigrants, prisoners, children, minorities and disabled people. Until recently, there were few, if any laws to protect these populations, resulting in unfair and exploitive circumstances, discrimination and lack of societal structure and support. Additionally, human rights ensure equal employment opportunities. Today in many countries it’s illegal for companies to hire people based on gender, race, sexuality or physical disabilities which opens up employment opportunities to segments of the population who might have previously had difficulty gaining employment due to the preferences and bias of employers (Kalin 29). Human rights also protect religious freedom, providing support for people to worship as they wish. It is a violation of human rights for members of the dominant religion to persecute those who worship a different religion. Such persecution has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of people. For example, the Hindu persecution of the Muslims in the northern Indian state of Kashmir and the Chinese persecution of the Tibetans are tragic examples of human rights violations (Cato Institute). In the case of Burma it was reported that, “In 2019, the Burmese government continued to commit widespread and egregious religious freedom violations, particularly against Rohingya Muslims. Ethnic‐driven conflict and degradation of other civil rights often coincide with religious differences, thereby severely restricting freedom of religion or belief.”

While to some what constitutes human rights may seem obvious, differing cultural customs and beliefs can sometimes raise a question about whether a practice is a human rights violation. In many cases, the Universal Declaration serves as a support to protect people from cultural practices that infringe upon their rights. For example, the right to education is a human right, however, in some countries, women are prohibited from studying for religious and cultural reasons. Punishments for violating this rule can be severe, including beatings, disfigurement and the common practice of throwing acid on the woman’s face. Additionally, in some areas of Africa, cultural beliefs allow for the continued practice of female genital mutilation which is largely performed on children who have no voice or agency. Those who enforce these practices claim that they are important parts of their social structure and cultural belief system, however, by robbing an entire gender of their right to education and subjecting a gender to physical mutilation, there is strong evidence that these practices in fact represent human rights violations (Egan 12).

Human rights are also closely linked with environmental rights. Since humans inhabit the planet, environmental issues such as the pollution of freshwater, air and the soil all affect human rights to health. When pollution becomes so pervasive that it results in illness or even death, that is considered an infringement on human rights. Air pollution alone kills an estimated 4.2 people every year (World Health Organization, Air). Such issues have come to the forefront of political talks in recent years and in October 2021, the UN Human Rights Council declared in resolution 48/13 that having a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right (United Nations, Access).

In summary, human rights are important because they protect vulnerable populations and help fight against unjust cultural and religious practices that infringe on an individual’s rights. Human rights are also important because they help reinforce the need for stricter laws to protect the environment with the aim of providing unpolluted and healthy environments for all humans.

Works Cited

Bandow, Doug. Religious Persecution Around the Globe: A Guide, May 3, 2020: https://www.cato.org/commentary/religious-persecution-around-globe-guide .

Egan, Suzanne. The UN Human Rights Treaty System: Law and Procedure. Bloomsbury Professional , 2011.

Kalin, Walter, and Jorg Kunzli. The Law of International Human Rights Protection. Oxford University Press, USA , 2010.

United Nations, Access to a healthy environment declared a human right by UN rights council, October 8, 2021: https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/10/1102582 .

United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights .

Essay on Importance of Human Rights

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Human Rights in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Importance of Human Rights

Understanding human rights.

Human rights are basic rights that every person should have, regardless of their nationality, race, or religion. They include the right to life, freedom, and equality.

Importance of Human Rights

Human rights are critical because they ensure everyone’s dignity and respect. They promote fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all.

Protection of Human Rights

Human rights are protected by laws and treaties globally. These legal protections help prevent discrimination and abuse.

Role of Education

Education plays a vital role in promoting human rights. It helps people understand their rights and responsibilities, fostering a culture of respect and equality.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Human Rights

Introduction to human rights.

Human rights are fundamental principles that recognize the inherent dignity and equal worth of every human being. These rights are universal, inalienable, and interdependent, spanning across cultural, social, and geographical boundaries. They serve as the basic framework for freedom, justice, and peace.

The Significance of Human Rights

Human rights are essential for the sustenance of a civilized society. They provide a moral compass, guiding the actions of governments and individuals. These rights ensure that every person is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

Human Rights and Social Justice

Human rights play a crucial role in promoting social justice. They provide the foundation for equality and fairness, preventing discrimination and abuses. The right to education, for instance, ensures equal opportunities for all, fostering social mobility and reducing income disparities.

Human Rights and Democracy

Democracy and human rights are closely intertwined. The principles of freedom of expression, assembly, and association are fundamental to a democratic society. They facilitate the free exchange of ideas, constructive dialogue, and active participation in political processes.

In conclusion, human rights form the backbone of a fair and just society. They uphold the inherent dignity of every individual, promote social justice, and foster democratic values. Therefore, understanding and respecting human rights is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative for all.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Human Rights

Introduction.

Human rights are fundamental principles that recognize the inherent value and dignity of all individuals. These rights are inalienable, universal, and apply without prejudice or discrimination. The importance of human rights cannot be overstated, as they form the bedrock of just and equitable societies, ensuring freedom, respect, and equality for all.

Foundation of Democracy

Human rights are the cornerstones of democratic societies. They ensure that governments respect the freedoms and rights of their citizens, thereby promoting social harmony and peace. They provide a framework for the rule of law, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their position or power, is subject to the same laws. This promotes accountability, transparency, and justice, which are crucial for the functioning of a democratic society.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Human rights play a pivotal role in protecting marginalized and vulnerable groups. They ensure that everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social status, is treated with dignity and respect. They protect individuals from discrimination, violence, and abuse, thereby promoting social inclusion and equality.

Enabler of Social Progress

Human rights are also a catalyst for social progress. They encourage the free exchange of ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. They ensure everyone has access to education, healthcare, and social services, which are crucial for personal development and societal advancement. Moreover, they promote economic growth by ensuring fair labor practices and protecting workers’ rights.

Guardian of Individual Freedom

Human rights safeguard individual freedoms, such as the freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. These freedoms allow people to express their opinions, practice their beliefs, and participate in societal decision-making processes. They empower individuals, giving them the agency to shape their lives and the society they live in.

In conclusion, human rights are integral to the development and well-being of individuals and societies. They ensure equality, respect, and freedom for all, fostering social harmony and peace. They protect the vulnerable, promote social progress, and safeguard individual freedoms. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the importance of human rights becomes even more pronounced. It is our collective responsibility to uphold and protect these rights, ensuring a just and equitable world for all.

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