What are the fundamental human rights?

• The most basic human rights are found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). They include:
  • all human beings are born free and equal;
  • no discrimination between persons;
  • the right to life, liberty and security of person;
  • prohibition on slavery and torture;
  • the right to recognition before the law;
  • prohibition on arbitrary arrest or detention;
  • the right to a fair and public hearing;
  • the principle of innocent until proven guilty;
  • no one to be subjected to arbitrary interference with their privacy;
  • freedom of movement within a state;
  • the right to leave and return to one’s own country;
  • the right to seek asylum;
  • the right to a nationality;
  • the right to marry;
  • the right to own property;
  • freedom of opinion and expression;
  • the right to participate in government;
  • the right to social security;
  • the right to work;
  • the right to rest and leisure;
  • the right to adequate standard of living; and
  • the right to education.
• This is by no means an exhaustive list of human rights. However it is the most internationally accepted collection of basic human rights.