Originally, people had rights only by virtue of their membership in a group, such as a family or community. However, in 539 BC, Cyrus the Great, after conquering Babylon, did something revolutionary—he freed all slaves and allowed them to return home. He also declared that people had the right to choose their own religion. His statements were inscribed on the Cyrus Cylinder, a clay tablet that is now considered the first human rights declaration in history. This concept of human rights quickly spread to India, Greece, and eventually Rome.
Some of the most significant milestones in the development of human rights include:
1215: The Magna Carta – Established new rights for the people and limited the power of the king.
1628: The Petition of Right – Outlined the fundamental rights of individuals.
1776: The United States Declaration of Independence – Affirmed the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
1789: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (France) – Proclaimed that all citizens are equal under the law.
1948: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – The first document listing 30 fundamental rights to which every individual is entitled.
When asked about human rights, people may provide different answers—some may know only a few rights, while others may be unaware of them altogether. Historically, there was no concept of universal human rights. It took centuries for the idea to emerge that all people should have fundamental freedoms. In the aftermath of World War II, this idea was formalized into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which established thirty essential rights for all individuals.
Our Commitment to Human Rights
Core Characteristics of Human Rights
Our work is rooted in the following fundamental principles:
Universality – Human rights belong to everyone, and we are committed to spreading awareness and promoting respect for these rights.
Inalienability – Human rights cannot be taken away, and we provide remedies for those whose rights are violated.
Interconnectedness – All human rights are interdependent, and we offer legal expertise and guidance to uphold them.
Indivisibility – Human rights must be treated as a whole, with human dignity and equality at their core.
Non-Discrimination – Human rights must be upheld without prejudice, as all individuals deserve fair treatment.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights came into existence under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, a prominent political figure, diplomat, and activist. As stated in Article 1 of the UDHR:
“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.”
Through education, advocacy, and action, we remain committed to ensuring that these rights are recognized, respected, and protected for all.
