Cruzat, Zeah Viendell G.

BSAC2A
ACTIVITY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Topic: Is the satisfaction of basic needs a human right?

For me, our human rights paves the way to satisfy our basic needs. When we say human
rights, it refers to the standards that allow all people to live with dignity, freedom, equality, justice,
and peace. Every person has these rights simply because they are human beings. They are
guaranteed to everyone without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. Human rights are
essential to the full development of individuals and communities. On the other hand, Human rights
also guarantee people the means necessary to satisfy their basic needs, such as food, housing,
and education, so they can take full advantage of all opportunities. According to Article 25 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate
for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing and
medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of
unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in
circumstances beyond his control.” The essential point is that everyone shall be able, without
shame and without unreasonable obstacles, to be a full participant in ordinary, everyday
interaction with other people. Thus, people should be able to enjoy their basic needs in conditions
of dignity. No one should have to live in conditions whereby the only way to satisfy their needs is
by degrading themselves or depriving themselves of their basic freedoms, such as through
begging, prostitution or forced labor.

To sum it up, the satisfaction of our basic needs is considered as a human right because
no one should not be deprived of the benefits and opportunities given to everyone.