SELECTED TOPICS IN
HUMANITIES
English Version
Dr Korany Gnedy
Human Rights
▪ The modern concept; Human Rights, is defined as a specific branch of the social
sciences concerned with studying the relationships between individuals based on
human dignity and determining a set of rights necessary for the growth and
flourishment of each human beings identity and personality.
▪ This studies individual rights from both a national and international perspective, in a
way that, at a certain level of civilization achieves a balance between the individual's
right to human dignity and the society's right to protect public order
▪ The concept of Human rights extends far earlier than recent definitions, even though
its stated to be a modern concept. It is evident in Saint Augustines Work City of God,
written between the years 413 and 426. As well as, the natural law theory adopted by
Montesquieu when he defended a person's right to work, with regards that this work
wasn't prohibited by law. Later on, the writings of Beccaria and Voltaire further refined
the discourse around human rights.
▪ There are two types of human rights, these include;
▪ Natural Rights, such as;
▪ The right to life
▪ The right to physical integrity
▪ The right to freedom
TYPES OF HUMAN RIGHTS
▪ There are two types of human rights, these include;
▪ Natural Rights, such as;
▪ The right to life
▪ The right to physical integrity
▪ The right to freedom
▪ Material or Civil Rights, such as
▪ The right to work
▪ The right to education
▪ The right to access to the internet
▪ The right to justice, equality and non-discrimination
NATURAL RIGHTS
▪ Natural rights are a group of rights that are linked to the essence and nature of
human beings, hence said to be positive laws. Their source is human dignity and the
nature of humanity.
▪ Due to the importance of these laws, these rights are organized and protected by
legal rules and branches of laws, as laws provide the necessary legal protection
through punishment and sanctions against those who violate the rights or interests of
others.
▪ Among the natural rights are;
▪ The right to life;
▪ This right is the most important natural right, which are mostly honoured by religions. This right
was described by the human rights committee of the United Nations as the most fundamental
right of the human being. This right is an absolute right that can be deterred only in some
cases, such as the execution of a final judicial sentence, e.g. a capital punishment.
▪ The right to physical integrity;
▪ This right states, that a person must not be tortured or treated in a brutal or degrading manner.
For example, a doctor may not intervene with a patient's body without their consent- or. In
emergencies, the consent of their relatives. The same goes for the body of a deceased person
unless they have left a will allowing such interventions.
▪ The Right to Freedom;
▪ Freedom is guaranteed by international declarations, treaties and customs that aim to build a
civilized society founded on the preservation of human dignity and rights. This right is similar
to the right to dignity and freedom. This type of natural right, opposes practices such as,
slavery, human trafficking and exploitation. Forms of freedom include: the right to own
property, housing, movement, work, belief and religion.
MATERIAL/CIVIL RIGHTS
▪ These are groups of rights that a person enjoys as a member of society. They are
indispensable, as they are necessary for individuals to live a proper life.
▪ The right to Justice, Equality and Non-discrimination;
▪ This right which was stated in the International Covenant on civil and political rights
by the United nation states that, all people are equal before the law. Discrimination
must be avoided, and everyone has the right to resort to the judiciary if their
personal or financial rights are violated. Everyone should have legal standings and
access to the courts no matter the gender, colour, ethnicity, belief or opinion. This
right covers all aspects of political, cultural and social life which is ensured by
respecting the right to equal treatment before the law, equal access to courts and
unified laws, as well as penalties applied to all without discrimination
▪ The right to work;
▪ The right to work is a crucial material for human life, everyone must have the right to choose
their work freely, receive fair wages, be protected from un-employement, have good working
conditions and be able to join professional unions that protect workers from the control of
employers.
▪ The right to education;
▪ This is a fundamental material, cultural, economic and social right. Individuals should be free to
choose what they want to learn without difficulty. Most countries have made basic education
compulsory to uphold social justice, combat illiteracy and eliminate ignorance.
▪ The right to Internet Access;
▪ Also known as the right to broadband or the right to communication. It is defined as the ability
of all people to access the internet in order to exercise their right to freedom of expression and
other fundamental human rights.
▪ Governments should not unreasonably restrict individual access to the internet and must take
responsibility for ensuring widespread availability. The UN Human Rights Council has
recognized that offline rights—such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly—should
also apply online. David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, noted that the closest legal protection for
internet rights lies in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
▪ Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
▪ “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to
hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
▪ Although no specific international right to the internet has been formally recognized, these two
articles bring international law closer to acknowledging it. However, legal standards still lag
behind technological advances, and oppressive governments often delay the recognition and
adoption of these rights.