Meaning and Sources of Human Rights

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. The concepts embodied in current human rights documents come from many different traditions, countries and cultures. Religious systems as well as recent movements such as feminism, socialism and environmentalism have also influenced rights and conventions. While the meaning of human rights is the subject of some debate, the sources of current human rights law is generally accepted. This book examines the meaning and sources of “human rights”, including the relevant international conventions. This will be a valuable reference tool for all concerned with human rights issues.