What is meant by the universality of human rights?
Since human rights stem from the inherent dignity of all humans then they must adhere to every man, women and child merely by virtue of their being human. Human rights should be enjoyed irrespective of any distinguishing characteristics such as sex, race, colour, religion, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Similarly, human rights belong to all human beings, in every state, whatever the level of economic development or the political system in place in their country. This is what is meant by the term ‘the universality of human rights’ – a concept of fundamental significance to human rights protection. The universal nature of human rights distinguishes them from the rights that are granted by a state on the basis of citizenship; and from any specific legal rights that are granted to particular members of society, or rights arising out of a contractual agreement.
