The Principle of Human Dignity and Equality
At the heart of human rights is the principle that every person is entitled to certain rights simply by virtue of being human. Each individual possesses intrinsic value and is equally valuable, necessitating equal opportunities for freedom and self-realization.
This conception challenges existing inequalities based on factors such as race, caste, religion, and gender, advocating for universal recognition and protection of human dignity.
Class 11 Polity Chapter 5: Where do Rights Come From?
Throughout history, the question of where rights originate has sparked profound debates among political theorists. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the prevailing belief was that rights stemmed from nature or divine authority, rather than being granted by rulers or societies.