human rights

Human rights

Are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world from birth until death

Role of the Council of Europe

To promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe.

Role of the European Court of Human Rights

Ensures that countries guarantee their citizens tundamental rights.

NIHRC

Northern Irish Human Rights Commission

IHREC

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

Rights Holder

A person who has rights

Duty bearer

The actor who has an obligation or responsibility to respect, promote and fulfil human rights.

Immediate Obligation

The duty bearer must respect certain human rights with immediate effect (the right to life and freedom from violence).

Progressive Realisation

The obligation to work gradually towards the realisation of certain rights. The duty bearer must ensure that they are doing so to the best of their ability and to the maximum extent of their available resources.

Limited Rights

These apply to all the people of the world, e.g. the right to life.

Limited rights

These can be removed temporarily by the duty bearer, e.g. the freedom of movement.

Inalienable Rights

These can not be taken away without good reason and due process.

Qualified Rights

The rights the duty bearer can decide to withhold.

Indivisible Rights

Rights that cannot be fulfilled unless all other rights are fulfilled.

Absolute Rights

Rights that can never be removed, e.g. protection from violence.

Civil Rights

Rights that guarantee personal liberty such as the freedom of thought and the freedom to vote.

Political rights

Rights that enable individuals to participate in the decision-making process such as the freedom of assembly and expression.

Social rights

Rights necessary for an adequate standard of living, e.g. food and healthcare.

Cultural rights

Rights which allow people to participate in cultural life.