At the same time, there are some major rights that are taken as the basic ones. They became an integral part of life that plays a key role in the existence of society and influences the vector of its development. In fact, if these rights did not exist, then the very concept of humanity would have no meaning. While some of these rights are obvious, they have taken a long time to develop.

If we check the historical facts, this concept appeared together with the first political institutions. One of the priority areas of their work was to provide people with the opportunity to live a dignified life, respect for equality, freedom of religion, and so on.

However, both at the dawn of the formation of a legal society and now, humanity is clashing with various issues facing problems. In particular, when it comes to minorities (religious, sexual, racial, etc.). At the present time, the trends of digitalization and globalization of society have also influenced this phenomenon. Therefore, the topic of key human rights is still relevant and requires attention and deep study.

Classification of Key Freedoms

As it was mentioned below, the concept and list of key freedoms constantly changed in different historical periods. However, below, you can see a list of the most important freedoms and rights with a short overview.

Right to equality

Here, we are talking about the equality of any member of society before the law. The result of this right was the erasure of distinctions and the prohibition of discrimination against people based on caste, gender, skin color, religion, and so on.

Any member of society is equal to another, and he is provided with the same opportunities to move up the career ladder, to get a job in any public service, etc. It does not matter the color of your skin or the god you believe in – you can take part in the competition for senior positions in both private and public companies.

Rights to freedom

In itself, the concept of freedom is inextricably linked with many human rights and values. This category includes freedom of speech, the ability to openly express one’s opinion, create alliances and associations, the ability to choose any place on the planet for travel, and much more.

The financial side of freedom is especially important. As is known, the more financially independent a person is, the higher his quality of life. In a modern democratic society, any citizen of a free country has every right to buy, sell and own property. The government of democratic countries does not restrict your freedom of business if you do not violate the basic legal norms.

Speaking about freedom, it is important to note the legal side of the issue. A striking example of this is the impossibility of condemning a person twice for the same crime. In addition, you cannot force a person to testify against himself.

Right against exploitation

Throughout the history of human development, there have been many precedents for forced labor in one form or another. Unfortunately, modern realities show that some autocratic countries still use this practice in relation to their population.

If we consider democratic countries, then there is currently a ban on any form of forced labor. According to the letter of the law, no person has the right to exploit another person in any way whatsoever. After the introduction of such norms, in fact, human trafficking was officially banned, and begging became illegal.

Freedom of religion

Any member of society has the right to choose a religion, regardless of race, origin, color, etc. People can freely adopt, practice, and propagate (without violating the rights and freedoms of other people) the religion of their choice. The state, in turn, should not interfere in any way with people in any religious affairs. Regardless of the type of religious organization, they have the right to create and maintain an institution for meetings, sacraments, charity events, and so on.

Cultural and educational rights

This right is one of the priorities for any person. According to cultural law, any nation can count on help in preserving its historical heritage. Under this right, everyone is free to develop the culture of their choice. This right is closely intertwined with the issue of conversion: any person can enter any educational institution, regardless of their origin, skin color, religion, etc. As for minorities, the state protects and guarantees them the right to create their own educational institution in which cultural specifics will be taken into account.

Right to constitutional remedy

This right is also guaranteed to every person and is the crowning achievement of all of the above. According to it, any person can go to court to protect any of the aforementioned basic freedoms. In turn, the court stands guard over the rights and freedoms of people, regardless of their skin color, religion, and so on. Also, it stands against the violation of these rights and reacts adequately to anyone who tries to violate them. Thus, if you think that any person or organization has violated your basic rights, you can apply to the court for constitutional help and justice.

Final Thoughts

Basic rights are the cornerstone of human existence. Modern democratic civilization and progress are based on them. These rights can protect us in times of hardship and help us become good people.

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Set up in 1959, the Court ensures that Member States of the Council of Europe respect the rights and guarantees set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Court is made up of 47 elected judges, one from each Member State. It examines complaints (known as ‘applications’) alleging violations of human rights. These applications can be made by individuals, or sometimes by Member States.

When the Court finds that a Member State has violated one or more of the Convention’s rights and guarantees, it explains why in a written judgment. Judgments are binding; the countries concerned must comply with them.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s involvement

The Equality and Human Rights Commission sometimes intervenes in cases before the European Court of Human Rights as part of our enforcement role. Cases we have intervened in so far cover issues such as housing, immigration, family law, employment issues and the right to a fair trial.

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All 47 Member States of the Council, including the UK, have signed the Convention. Its full title is the ‘Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms’.

What is the Council of Europe?

Formed in 1949, the Council of Europe is completely separate from the European Union and much larger, with 47 members compared to the EU’s 28. The UK became a Council member 24 years before it joined the EU. The UK’s membership of the Council would be unaffected if it left the EU.

The Convention consists of numbered ‘articles’ protecting basic human rights. The UK made these rights part of its domestic law through the Human Rights Act 1998.

How did the Convention come about?

The Council of Europe was founded after the Second World War to protect human rights and the rule of law, and to promote democracy. The Member States’ first task was to draw up a treaty to secure basic rights for anyone within their borders, including their own citizens and people of other nationalities.

Originally proposed by Winston Churchill and drafted mainly by British lawyers, the Convention was based on the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was signed in Rome in 1950 and came into force in 1953.

What rights and freedoms does the Convention protect?

The Convention guarantees specific rights and freedoms and prohibits unfair and harmful practices.

The Convention secures:

• the right to life (Article 2)
• freedom from torture (Article 3)
• freedom from slavery (Article 4)
• the right to liberty (Article 5)
• the right to a fair trial (Article 6)
• the right not to be punished for something that wasn’t against the law at the time (Article 7)
• the right to respect for family and private life (Article 8)
• freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 9)
• freedom of expression (Article 10)
• freedom of assembly (Article 11)
• the right to marry and start a family (Article 12)
• the right not to be discriminated against in respect of these rights (Article 14)
• the right to protection of property (Protocol 1, Article 1)
• the right to education (Protocol 1, Article 2)
• the right to participate in free elections (Protocol 1, Article 3)
• the abolition of the death penalty (Protocol 13)

The European Court of Human Rights

The European Court of Human Rights applies and protects the rights and guarantees set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.

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It was the first international agreement on the basic principles of human rights. 

It laid the foundation for the human rights protections that we have in the UK today. 

It formed the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights, which in turn was incorporated in UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998.

Worldwide influence

Nearly every state in the world has accepted the Declaration.

It has inspired more than 80 international conventions and treaties, as well as numerous regional conventions and domestic laws.

It has been the catalyst for improving human rights protections for groups such as disabled people, indigenous peoples and women.

It has been translated into more than 360 languages.

International Bill of Human Rights

The International Bill of Human Rights is an informal name given to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights along with the following UN human rights treaties:

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

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