All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
			(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled. They act as a code of conduct for those with power and a checklist for all people as to how they can (and cannot) be treated.

These rights are not earned or awarded but belong to everyone because they are human beings.

Human rights also serve a legal function so infringements can be punished in international law. A recent example of this is the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court for the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for crimes against humanity and war crimes.


Fact 1: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed in 1948.

Fact 2: World Human Rights Day is held on the 10th of December each year.

Fact 3: Caritas Australia, drawing upon the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, promotes human rights actively through its work.


Be More human: Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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