Human Rights

Human rights recognise and respect the inherent value and dignity of all people, whatever their nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. Human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law which lays down obligations for governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect the rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups. In the context of international development, human rights can encapsulate the concepts of participation, empowerment, accountability and rights, or specific rights issues such as human trafficking, the safety and repatriation of refugees, and the right to safe drinking water, food, good sanitation, gender equality and education.

Past forums on this topic:

Beyond Charity: Incorporating Human Rights into Development 
Friday, 29 August 2008, Perth WA
Incorporating Human Rights into charity

Workers or Slaves? Human Trafficking and World Poverty 
Monday, 11 May 2009, Brisbane QLD
Human Trafficking and World Poverty