HUMAN RIGHTS – SUMMARY NOTES
Definition
HUMAN RIGHTS are those fundamental rights and freedoms which are inherent to all human beings,
regardless of nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or
any other status (Humphrey, 1948). They serve as the foundation for justice, order, and peace in
society promoting respect and harmony among all people.
History of Human Rights
Code of Hammurabi – early attempt to establish justice, social order, and protection of individuals under
the law. Magna Carta (1215) – limited the power of the monarch; introduced Rule of Law; even the king
is subject to the law. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) – declared that “Men
are born and remain free and equal in rights.” United Nations (1945) – founded to promote peace and
cooperation among nations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948) – adopted by UN,
led by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Human Rights and Rights of the Society
Rights of the Society: Collective rights and freedoms ensuring safety and stability of a community such
as right to participate in cultural life, access to education, and freedom from discrimination. Include right
to security, peace, public order, and access to basic needs such as education.
Types of Human Rights (Three Generations Theory – Karel Vasak,
1979)
1. First Generation: Civil and Political Rights (Liberty) - Civil: right to life, freedom from torture, freedom
of thought, conscience, religion, fair trial. - Political: freedom of expression, assembly, vote,
participation in public life. - Enshrined in ICCPR. 2. Second Generation: Economic, Social, and Cultural
Rights (Equality) - Economic: right to work, form trade unions, social security. - Social: right to health,
adequate standard of living. - Cultural: right to education, participate in cultural life, protection of moral
and material interests. - Enshrined in ICESCR. 3. Third Generation: Solidarity Rights
(Fraternity/Collective) - Right to development, peace, clean environment, self-determination. -
Emphasize cooperation and shared responsibility to protect humanity and planet.
Components of Human Rights
1. Universality – apply to all people everywhere without distinction. 2. Inalienability – cannot be taken
away (except through due process such as imprisonment after fair trial). 3. Indivisibility and
Interdependence – all rights equally important; cannot enjoy one without others.
General Forms of Human Rights Violations
Civil and Political Rights Violations – loss of freedom, justice, participation in government. Economic,
Social, and Cultural Rights Violations – deprivation of education, healthcare, and fair living conditions.
Collective or Solidarity Rights Violations – harm to environment, loss of peace, denial of development.
Gender-Based and Social Discrimination – unfair treatment due to gender, race, or social status.
Promotion and Practice of Human Rights
Ways to Promote and Practice Human Rights: - Education and Awareness - Respect and Tolerance -
Active Citizenship - Human Rights Campaigns and Activities Promotion in the Philippines: -
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) - Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) - Philippine
Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) International Organizations: - United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) - Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Legal and Peace Documents Related to Human Rights
International Documents: - Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948) - International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966) - International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966) National Documents (Philippines): - 1987 Philippine Constitution –
Article III (Bill of Rights) - Republic Act No. 9745 – Anti-Torture Act of 2009 - Republic Act No. 9710 –
Magna Carta of Women - Republic Act No. 7610 – Protection against child abuse, exploitation, and
discrimination.