Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What Are The Basic Characteristics of Human Rights?
What Are The Basic Characteristics of Human Rights?
5)
Duty- Bearers
These are the governing bodies that lead and rule a country of people. Their authority to lead and rule is an inherent
responsibility and should meet the basic needs of all people in their care and to abstain from human rights violations.
This is a legal responsibility when a country has signed the UN Human Rights treaties. The Duty Bearers have a
responsibility to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of the rights-holder. Duty Bearers in developing countries often
need capacity strengthening in order for them to hear the rights of their citizens and provide meaningful ways for
their citizens to participate in discussions and decision making.
Right holders
All citizens, regardless of age, race, gender and religion are rights holders. Every person deserves to have their basic
human rights upheld and respected. (Please refer to the Rights of All People and The Rights of All Children). People
everywhere need to know they can voice their needs, interests and the basic rights and be encouraged to do so. There
are many people due to different situations who need to be shown the way that they can voice these rights. Every
person needs to feel that they are able to stand up for these rights. They are then able to hold their duty bearers [the
governing bodies] to account to bring these basic rights into realisation. This has proven to be very empowering to
many people, families and communities.