The concept of human rights, as universal entitlements inherent to all

individuals, has been the subject of extensive debate and evolution since the
adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
These rights are twofold: civil and political rights; and economic, social, and
cultural rights. This discourse extends beyond the philosophic and enters the
legal domain, examining state responsibility, the interplay of politics and
religion, and the international framework developed to safeguard these rights.
Key figures like Malcolm X and Hannah Arendt offer divergent perspectives
on the universality and political nature of human rights, reflecting the
complexity and dynamism of the field.

The UDHR, ICCPR, and ICESCR constitute the foundational legal structures
that formalize human rights, though they stem from a long tradition of
Enlightenment principles. Political and philosophical discussions contemplate
the absoluteness and universality of human rights, considering whether they
should prevail across varying cultural contexts. While absolutism suggests
they should always take precedence, universalism contends with cultural
relativism, suggesting a need for broader interpretation within different
societal frameworks. Critical to these debates is the notion of human dignity,
which is often regarded as the impetus for recognizing human rights, leading
scholars to examine whether dignity precedes human rights or conversely, is
conferred through their acknowledgement.

In handling the philosophical foundations, the paper outlines three primary

justifications for human rights: legal, political, and moral. Diverse theoretical
lenses, such as deontology, instrumentalism, and contractualism, explore the
moral underpinnings of these rights, while highlighting the fluidity between
legal, political, and ethical discourse. Kant's moral philosophy is instrumental
in connecting dignity to human rationality and autonomy, suggesting that legal
approaches provide a more universal framework for safeguarding human
dignity in comparison to widely varying moral perspectives across societies.

In conclusion, the study of human rights presents a rich tapestry of historical

evolution, philosophical debate, and legal codification, focusing on the
intricate relationship between human dignity and rights. The international legal
instruments, sparked by the UDHR, aim to enforce the moral imperatives of
human rights, addressing their inherent challenges while striving for universal
application. As the global community continues to grapple with the tension
between universality and cultural specificity, the discourse on human rights
remains a critical area of exploration, necessitating a balance between
philosophical absolutes and practical legal frameworks to ensure the
protection of these fundamental rights for all humans.