First Generation Human Rights

From Human Rights Wiki

[edit] The First Generation

The first generation of human rights are based on the principles of individualism and non-interference—they tend to be “negative” rights, based on the Anglo-American principles of liberty. This first generation of rights developed under a strong mistrust of government and has since evolved into what are now known as “civil” or political” rights.

Important examples of first generation rights include:

1) The right to life

2) The right to property

3) The right to be seen equal before the law

4) The right to receive a fair and public hearing where one is innocent before proven guilty

5) The right to privacy at home

6) The right to move and reside anywhere within one’s country

7) The right to seek asylum internationally

8) The right to marry and found a family

9) The right of freedom of belief and religion

10) The right of freedom of speech and opinion

11) The right to peacefully assemble and associate

12) The right to take part in the government directly or indirectly

13) The right to periodic and genuine elections

14) The right to have free choice of employment

15) The right to be protected from compulsion to join an organization

16) The right to be protected against slavery

17) The right to be protected against torture and cruel punishment

18) The right to be protected against arbitrary exile or arrest

19) The right as a parent to choose the type of education for your child

20) The right to hold ownership over any scientific, literary, or artistic production one creates

• Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights