ENGLISH
REFERENCE

human rights

compound.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

compound. the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world from birth until death.

compound. the fundamental entitlements and protections inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, or status, often codified in international law.


SIMPLE

Education is one of our basic human rights.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity works to protect human rights in countries where people are treated unfairly by the government.

COMPLEX

The international community must remain vigilant against the systematic violation of human rights in conflict zones where the rule of law has collapsed.

Origin

From human right + -s (suffix forming plural nouns and pluralia tantum).

Usage

almost always used in the plural; often follows verbs like 'protect', 'defend', or 'violate'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'civil rights' (which are specific to a country's laws) to help students understand the universal nature of 'human rights'.

Pitfall

Every person has a human right.Every person has human rights.the term is almost exclusively used in the plural form when discussing the general concept.

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