Human rights

 

What are human rights?

Our present understanding of human rights is built on principles of freedom, justice, equality and human dignity that have existed since ancient times. However, it was out of the atrocities of the Second World War that the modern human rights movement was born, culminating in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Article 1 sets the tone for this historic document: ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’

Click here for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

HRWF’s work

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) promotes the universal and equal application of this principle for all people, regardless of one’s nationality, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion, language or any other status. Human rights are moral standards on which any just society is built. They supersede the interests of particular groups within society and the policies of states. Human rights are extended to everyone for the simple fact of being human; therefore, they must be vigorously protected and upheld by international law.

Even still, the adoption of human rights law by governments is often not enough. Government leaders, policy makers and the general public must be informed of human rights violations so that actions may be taken. HRWF gathers and disseminates information as widely as possible in order to build awareness, stimulate debate and advocate for the protection of basic rights and freedoms.

For more information see:

Our reports
Our advocacy papers
HRWF’s Database of FORB Prisoners
HRWF’s Database of News about Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
HRWF’s Database of News about LGBTQI People and Human Rights