Human rights are moral principles and standards that protect the dignity of all humans irrespective of race, gender, religion, or any other social class.
The United Nations (UN) listed the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and experience, and the right to work and education as some of the fundamental human rights every human worldwide should enjoy.
Human rights have come a long way in human history, notably since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the UN General Assembly.
Below are ten reasons why human rights are essential in our society;
1. Equality and Non-discrimination
There is no discrimination in human rights. Every human has access to the same human rights irrespective of race, color, sex, ethnicity, age, language, politics, occupation, or any other differentiation.
The aim is to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It provides that no one is discriminated against based on where they are born, the family they come from, or their beliefs.
Every human is entitled to be successful and not condemned to poverty because of their differences.
2. Protect Vulnerable Individuals
The UN’s Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was primarily due to the Holocaust and the damages of World War II. Students of history will remember the holocaust was majorly fueled by antisemitism.
Today, more vulnerable groups exist, including people with physical challenges and LGBTQ+.
Humans are wired to resist new development and sometimes might hurt others to maintain normalcy. Human rights prevent the activities of such overzealous fanatics while protecting vulnerable individuals.
3. Prevents War
Human rights make humans feel respected and relevant. When they sense their rights are being violated and the oppressor has no intention of hearing their opinion, they tend to pick up arms to demand their rights.
Meanwhile, freedom of opinion allows humans to voice their concerns against people in power and possibly dialogue. It also helps people align on strategic ways to handle conflict instead of war.
4. Allows People to Make Decisions for Themselves
Human rights allow children to choose a different religion from their parents or peers. Likewise, they may decide not to practice any religion.
It also gives people the freedom to love who they choose. You can notice the issues arising from violating these human rights in countries that are against LGBTQ+ or still practice the culture of forcing women into marriages.
5. Ensures Security
Every human has the right to live. You must not take away a person’s life except for limited circumstances like self-defense. Likewise, no one has the right to take your life except for very few specific cases.
The public authorities of an area are also required to protect the people’s lives within their territory.
6. Accountability and the Rule of Law
Human rights allow everyone to be the same under the rule of law. The law does not exempt individuals due to their wealth or political power.
Anyone who violates another’s human rights can be punished under the appropriate law if sued in a court of law.
It, therefore, protects vulnerable minorities from tyranny.
7. Access to Education
Education is important in any society. It is a means out of poverty for some families. Human rights give every human the right to education. This has helped in societies where girl children were prevented from getting an education because they believed they would end up in a man’s kitchen.
Organizations and governments now include a specific portion of their budget to improve education standards in their area.
8. Transforms the Society for ‘the Better
Some development, though initially opposed by people in a society, the persistence of people who believed it is a human right eventually makes it possible.
Children are educated on human rights. With the help of the media, many of the future generations can read and watch the need for a better society with better equality.
9. Safeguards the Environment
The right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential. Governments and organizations are now held accountable and encouraged to make the environment safer for the safety of its inhabitants and future generations.
10. Curb Corruption
Right to opinion, good health facilities, and education, among others, can provoke people, including the press to speak up against corruption and hold leaders accountable.
It also permits exposing corrupt leaders and informing people to vote them out of office.
Conclusion
Human rights make the world a better place. It makes it possible that the rich do not oppress the poor. Also, people in power can be held accountable for their actions, ensuring no one is above the law.
It creates a balanced society where matters are resolved without resorting to the use of arms.