Band 6 – Human Rights & Crime Notes

Resource Description

Nature & Development Of Human Rights

1.1 Definition of Human Rights
Human rights are the rights and freedoms that are believed to belong to all
human beings. Human rights are universal, indivisible, inalienable, & inherent.

 Universal: applicable to all
 Indivisible: all rights are equally important
 Inalienable: cannot be taken away
 Inherent: they are permanent.

Nation-states have an obligation, both legal and moral, to uphold these rights.

1.2 Developing recognition of Human Rights

The abolition of slavery
 This largely began in the 18th century when rationalist people viewed slavery as violating the rights of mankind.
 At the end of WWII, under Article 4 of the UDHR, slavery was prohibited.
 Today there are an estimated 27 million people enslaved worldwide (ILO)

Trade unionism and labour rights
 As the world progressed and forced labour was made illegal, conventional
labour was the only legal means of securing large groups of workers.
 Employment law is a relatively new development.
 Safe working conditions, the right to paid holidays and minimum wage are
all basic labour rights.
 The areas typically protected by trade unions are:
o Minimum wage
o Safe working conditions
o Equal pay
o Long service leave
o Paid public holidays
o Maternity and paternity leave
o Annual leave
o Occupational health and safety laws
o Workers compensation

 Labour rights are protected by Articles 23 & 24 of the UDHR.