Introduction to Human Rights: Right to Life

Introduction to the Right to Life, Liberty, and Security

• The right to life, liberty, and security of person is a fundamental human right recognized in international human rights law.
• This right is enshrined in various international instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
• It is considered a cornerstone of a just and democratic society.

The Right to Life

• The right to life is generally understood as the inherent right to exist.
• This right is often understood as implying a prohibition against state-sanctioned killing except in limited circumstances, such as lawful use of lethal force by law enforcement officers in self-defence or in defence of others.
• It commonly includes the prevention of arbitrary deprivation of life.
• The right to life is not absolute, and there are legitimate exceptions.
• The right to life often encompasses the right to live without fear of violence, and inhumane or degrading treatment, and has a positive obligation on the state to ensure the conditions for human survival.
• The definition can vary depending on regional interpretations but generally includes a broad range of state responsibilities.

The Right to Liberty

• The right to liberty involves freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.
• It encompasses the right to freedom of movement within a state.
• It also includes an element of negative liberty, freedom from undue interference from the state.
• The right to liberty is subject to limitations imposed by law, in accordance with a democratic society.
• It is not absolute and can be restricted in specific situations, such as in cases of public safety.
• Limitations must be proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued.

The Right to Security of Person

• The right to security of person is a comprehensive concept.
• It encompasses protection from threats to an individual's physical well-being and psychological integrity.
• This includes protection from violence both from state actors or private persons.
• There are positive and negative aspects to this right. A positive aspect is the responsibility of the state to provide security. The negative aspect is freedom from violence.
• It includes protection from arbitrary interference with one's privacy and other significant aspects of the person.
• Such security involves a range of state obligations to protect individuals from threats.
• This right incorporates the obligation of the state to take an active part in protecting individuals from arbitrary or unlawful violence and attacks.
• This involves preventing violence both directed by or from private persons.

Interrelation and Limitations

• These rights are interconnected and interdependent. Limitations on one right may need to weigh against limitations on another.
• The limitations on these rights must be provided by law, aimed at achieving a legitimate aim, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the aim.
• Specific conditions or exceptions are permissible but must comply with established legal standards to balance individual rights and public interests.
• States have a responsibility to provide the necessary measures and take steps to implement these rights, including prevention of threats to the right to life, liberty, and security of the person.

Conclusion

• The right to life, liberty, and security of person is a cornerstone of international human rights law.
• It is a complex concept with interconnected strands, all requiring nuanced interpretations and applications within the context of global human rights standards.

This quiz explores the fundamental human right to life, liberty, and security as established by international law. It delves into the specifics of the right to life, including its implications and limitations. Understand the significance of this right in promoting a just and democratic society.