Human Rights Nature, Concept, Origin and Development

Meaning and nature of Human Rights

Human beings are rational beings. They by virtue of their being human possess certain basic and inalienable rights, which are commonly known as Human Rights. According to the New International Webster’s Comprehensive  Dictionary of the English Language, literally the word “right” means anything done in accordance with or conformable to truth or fact, correct, true, accurate, not mistaken, conformable to a standard of propriety, fit , suitable and the word “human” means pertaining to charactersing man or mankind[^1] . However, Human rights being a generic term embrace civil rights, civil liberties, social, economic and cultural rights. It is therefore difficult to give a precise definition of the term Human Rights. As such, it can be said that the rights that all people have by virtue of human existence are human rights. Since these rights belonged to them because of their very existence, they become operative with their birth. Human Rights being the birth right are therefore, inherent in all the individuals, Irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, sex, nationality. These rights are essential for all the individuals as they are consonant with their freedom and dignity and are conductive to physical, moral, social and spiritual welfare, they are also necessary as they provide suitable conditions for the material and moral uplift of the people. Because of their immense significance to human beings; Human Rights are also sometimes referred to fundamental rights, basic rights inherent rights, natural rights and birth rights[^2] .

As for as the nature of Human Rights is concerned, two main approaches were adopted to explain the nature of Human Rights from time to time. The approaches are philosophical approach and pragmatic approach.