The respect for individual freedom and dignity is a cornerstone in democracy, rule-of-law and human rights. These basic values must be constantly defended and developed in practical policy and law enforcement. The rule-of-law and the respect for Human Rights are also, as all research shows, basic necessities for welfare and functional market economy.

Human Rights are valid for everyone. They say that every man and every woman is born free and equal. Human Rights are universal. They apply all over the world, regardless of country, culture or any specific situation.

We sometimes hear expressions like “It’s a human right to read one’s paper in peace and quiet.” What we then forget is that Human Rights is a well defined and limited legal term.

The first rules on Human Rights came through the Magna Carta in England in 1215. The important principle determined here was that even the King stood under the law.

In 1776 the American declaration of Independence said that “all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain ualienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

In 1789 the French national assembly also decleared that there are unalienable rights. These were: The right to freedom, the right to property, the right to personal safety and the right to resist oppression.

In 1945 the UN was formed and in 1948 came their Universal declaration of Human Rights. Among the most important articles are:

Article 1

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights...

Article 2

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration...

Article 3

Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and personal safety

In 1965 it was followed by the International covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the International coventant of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

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