Human Rights
Definition
Fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.
Explanation
Human rights include civil and political rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial, as well as economic and social rights like the right to education and healthcare. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Each country also has its own protections: the US Bill of Rights, the UK Human Rights Act 1998, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Australian common law tradition all enshrine these principles in different ways.
Why this matters for your test
Questions about fundamental rights and freedoms appear on all citizenship tests. Know which rights are protected in your country.
Frequently asked questions
What does Human Rights mean?
Fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. Human rights include civil and political rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial, as well as economic and social rights like the right to education and healthcare. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sets out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Each country also has its own protections: the US Bill of Rights, the UK Human Rights Act 1998, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Australian common law tradition all enshrine these principles in different ways.
Why is Human Rights important for the citizenship test?
Questions about fundamental rights and freedoms appear on all citizenship tests. Know which rights are protected in your country.
How might Human Rights appear on the test?
Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Human Rights, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.
Source: General civics terminology
