Human rights are freedoms and protections everyone is entitled to simply because they’re human. These rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality and respect, and can’t be taken away by anyone or anything. They include civil, political, economic and cultural rights – all of which are equally important.
But this doesn’t mean that human rights violations don’t happen – we see them all around the world. The Holocaust annihilated millions of Jews, the Taliban murdered thousands of women and children in Afghanistan, and police in Sri Lanka routinely torture people.
In many countries, you can take a case of human rights abuse to a court and have it heard by a judge. But for these laws to work, there needs to be accountability. When those who commit human rights violations get away with it, they’ll continue to do so – and more people will suffer.
This is why it’s so important to stand up for human rights. Individuals can do so by signing a petition or writing to their government. But groups are also vital – human rights issues rarely resolve quickly, so they need long-term commitment. Group activism can provide support and energy to keep people involved, while helping them develop the skills needed for a successful long-term fight. For more information on how to start a human rights group, check out our ebook, Launching Your Career in Human Rights.
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