Human Rights The Nature and Development of Human Rights • The definition of human rights Human Rights: in a general sense basic rights and freedoms believed to belong justifiably to all human beings – that is they are universal, inalienable and inherent in all people. - A collection of fundamental standards for the treatment of individuals in a fair, just and free society. They aim to protect individuals from injustice, allow them to achieve their full potential, and prevent discrimination against groups of people because of their physical characteristics or beliefs.  Countries now have a moral and legal obligation to uphold these rights (international customary law) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): a declaration of rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948, representing the first universal acceptance of the idea of human rights and becoming the reference point for all subsequent human rights treaties. - States ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’ • Developing recognition of human rights - Theories of law provide the basis for international law to come into circulation i.e. theories from ancient civilizations, religious scholars, philosophers, historical events and major conflicts (i.e. WW2  Geneva convention)