1. Where do human rights come from?
April 26, 2018
Where do human rights come from?
AIDS & Rights Alliance for Southern Africa

2. The origins of human rights
World’s religions
Underlying values
For example, Bible – treat people equally
Humanitarian philosophers
Greek philosophers – natural law
Struggle for freedom and equalityAbolition of slavery
End of colonialism

3. Key historical milestones
Magna Carta 1215 – charter of liberty
French Revolution 1789 – men are born free and equal
US Bill of Rights 1791 – list of guaranteed individual rights
Abolition of slavery in England 1807 – recognition of right to equality and dignity
First and Second World Wars – destruction and suffering
Establishment of the United Nations 1945 – key objective – promote human rights
UDHR 1948
ICCPR 1966
ICESCR 1966

4. International recognition of human rights
Post WW2
UDHR – 10 December 1948
30 articles
Civil and political rights
Socio-economic rights
Not legally binding – declaration of General Assembly
Preamble – “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”

5. Importance of UDHR First international statement on human rights
“all born free and equal in dignity and rights”
Describes broad range of human rights
Widely accepted – international customary law
Inspired ICCPR and ICESCR
Led to regional human rights instruments
Model for over 25 Bills of Rights
Used by organs of the UN as a standard by which to measure the conduct of states

6. AIDS & Rights Alliance for Southern Africa
Thank You
April 26, 2018
AIDS & Rights Alliance for Southern Africa