What are human rights?
Even though people are unique and different in lots of ways, we all have one really important thing in common: We're all people! Because we're all people, there are some basic things we all deserve in our lives, such as freedom, respect, and equal, fair treatment.
Human rights is the term for all of the things that every person deserves to have, no matter whether they are big, small, young, old, from one country or another simply being human gives a person these special rights!
Our human rights include more than just freedom, respect, and equality. Being able to go to school, vote, and practice any religion you choose are types of human rights. Being paid fairly for work, and even having time to rest and relax are human rights! Human rights are made up of the things no person should be denied. All human rights are equally important, and no person should be expected to go without any of them. Human rights allow us the chance for happy and dignified lives!
Exploration
Respecting others is one of the best ways to help give other people the human rights they deserve! Showing respect means we treat others the same way we'd like to be treated ourselves. What are some good ways to show respect? Thinking about how somebody else feels is one good way to show respect. Using good manners is another. What are some other examples you can think of?
Further Information
About 60 years ago, in 1948, the United Nations issued an important document known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This special Declaration listed all of the human rights that the U.N. believed every person in every country deserved to have. A special committee that included former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote the declaration, and it's still often used today as an authority on what our human rights include!