The Basic Features of Human Rights From the above discussion we can conclude that there are certain common features of all the categories of human rights. We can identify at least six features which basic to the concept of human rights.
1. People have rights simply because they are human: All people have the right to lead a dignified and human life, and work towards achieving this for all people. These rights cannot be denied on the basis of caste, colour, religion and gender.
2. Human Rights are universal: They take no account of nation, race, sex or colour. People of all nations, colour, race, religion have the same rights everywhere. The developed and developing countries in all continents of the world must guarantee the same rights to all their citizens.
3. Human Rights treat all people as equal: This follows the idea that "all human beings are born free and equal in rights and dignity" and therefore, deserve the same opportunities and treatment, whilst simultaneously respecting their different cultures and traditions, political persuasion, sexuality, social origin, status, etc. Governments must therefore work to create the same opportunities for all the people in the country and this may involve extra work to make those opportunities the same for certain sections in society, e.g. women, children and the disabled.
4. These rights primarily belong to individuals: This means that they are concerned with the relationship between an individual and the state. Consequently, it is for the government to create a society where each individual can enjoy and freely exercise his or her rights to the fullest.
5. Human Rights encompass the fundamental principles of humanity: These rights are considered to be basic for the development of human personality and for the sake of human dignity. Examples of such rights are the right to life, freedom from slavery and freedom from torture.
Conclusion: The promotion and protection of human rights is not limited to national boundaries but rather stipulates certain ideals that apply the world over. Human rights hold nations accountable for meeting the conditions which satisfy the requisite promotion, protection and respect for these rights.
