Human rights are defined as the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to by virtue of their humanity. These rights are considered universal, inalienable, and inherent to all human beings.
1. Jack Donnelly defines human rights as "claims that all human beings have by virtue of their humanity, regardless of their nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other status" (Donnelly, 2013, p. 1).
2. Martha Nussbaum argues that human rights are "entitlements that all human beings possess simply by virtue of being human, and that are necessary for a life of dignity and flourishing" (Nussbaum, 2011, p. 45).
3. Amartya Sen describes human rights as "the freedoms and capabilities that individuals need to lead a life that they have reason to value" (Sen, 2009, p. 72).
4. Michael Ignatieff defines human rights as "the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to, regardless of their social, economic, or political status" (Ignatieff, 2001, p. 15).
5. Henry Shue argues that human rights are "the minimal conditions necessary for individuals to live a life of dignity and worth" (Shue, 1996, p. 30).
References:
Donnelly, J. (2013). Universal human rights in theory and practice. Cornell University Press.
Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating capabilities: The human development approach. Harvard University Press.
Sen, A. (2009). The idea of justice. Harvard University Press.
Ignatieff, M. (2001). Human rights as politics and idolatry. Princeton University Press.
Shue, H. (1996). Basic rights: Subsistence, affluence, and U.S. foreign policy. Princeton University Press.