When someone asks about human rights, most individuals are familiar with them. However, how many of us truly understand and comprehend the historical context of human rights? How does it shape the social principles of communities and individuals and promote evolution throughout history?
The Roots of Human Rights
From the ancient period to the modern era, the profound transformation of human rights has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the struggle for equality, justice, and dignity. In the early stages of human civilisation, there was little significant recognition of human rights. People generally followed the crowd in a chaotic and blind manner, primarily concerned for their safety. Although ancient laws existed, they did not apply universally to humanity.
Then came Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Many historians assert that he established the first human rights. In 539 B.C., after conquering Babylon, he freed the slaves and initiated a revolutionary shift in people’s lives. Despite being part of various groups, he declared the freedom to choose one’s religion. Cyrus the Cylinder, a clay tablet, recorded his words and contributions.
The Evolution
Human rights began to arise and expand in European and Asian countries. People started to establish principles as a foundation for their behaviour and naturally adhered to them. The introduction of ‘natural law’ became evident in Rome and Greece. However, it faced opposition from the powerful and corrupt. After many years, in 1215 A.D., the Magna Carta was signed by King John in England. It established the framework for human rights, as the barons compelled him to agree to the document, ensuring that no one, including the king, could infringe upon the rights of the people.
The Role of Enlightenment
Gradually, people began to acknowledge their entitlement to freedom within society. The influence of the Enlightenment era (17th and 18th centuries) was significant. One of the key figures, John Locke, an English philosopher, emerged as a pivotal advocate for natural rights. Through his theory, he posited that all individuals possess the right to life, liberty, and property to shield themselves from dominating political forces.
The English Bill of Rights in 1689 was significantly inspired by the concept of natural rights articulated by Locke and other prominent historical figures. This catalysed the development of human rights in Europe. Subsequently, the concepts of status and freedom became more individualised. The focus on individual rights was emphasised between the 18th and late 19th centuries. During revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions, people utilised and disseminated the ideas of natural rights to lay the groundwork for their rights. In the French Revolution, the list of natural rights expanded considerably. The term ‘Human Rights’ first appeared in France in 1789.
People’s rights and freedoms are not contingent upon their social or professional status. Every individual is entitled to participate in society fairly. This signified a pivotal moment at the end of the 1800s. Furthermore, fundamental social rights began to gain international recognition and flourished in more regions of the world. Numerous international agreements emerged across Europe, while various nations struggled to establish their rights, having endured invasion and exploitation by European rulers.
War and Sufferings
Establishing and reinforcing the principles, beliefs, and actions surrounding human rights proved to be extraordinarily challenging. In one of history's darkest moments, namely World War II, approximately 75-80 million individuals lost their lives. Human rights faced profound threats and were nearly extinguished. Humanity found itself in a miserable state, desperately yearning for radical change.
Global Declaration of Human Rights
Countries convened and established a significant global organisation, the United Nations. Its core mission was “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person,” alongside fostering connections among nations and populations to seek solutions for human rights.
Under the guidance of American activist and diplomat Eleanor Roosevelt, a set of rights was endorsed, applicable to all humankind. On December 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly officially adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She acted as a key catalyst for the adoption of this declaration.
This historical milestone recognised essential rights such as freedom of expression, fair treatment, the right to education, and the right to life. Does this imply that humankind has reached a joyous conclusion? No. Even in the contemporary world, individuals continue to face poverty, torture, and discrimination while striving to protect their rights. We may lack superhuman abilities, but the determination to persevere even in the harshest conditions empowers us to speak out against injustice. It is a vital responsibility to promote humanity and drive progress within society.
