We are human beings. What does it mean to be a human being? How are human beings different from the other living beings? In history, human beings have been described as civilized living beings capable of communicating with the help of language and those who started the system of living in an organized society. In political science, human beings have been defined as those social or political living beings who developed the system through which a human society would function in an organized and lawful manner. Human beings are the most evolved and therefore the most complex among the living organisms on the earth. We are known to be social beings and cannot live without society. Peaceful coexistence is the basis of our life and thus it is important to have respect as well as protect the life of each other. What is special about being human? As humans, we can think and articulate thoughts, we also have a sense of right and wrong, which is our conscience. Human beings may be different in colour, gender, caste, size and even shape but we are still human and have the same basic human rights. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. They can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. These values are defined and protected by law. Human rights are relevant to all of us, not just those who face repression or mistreatment. They protect you in many areas of your day-to-day life, including:
Your right to have and express your own opinions.
Your right to an education.
Your right to a private and family life.
Your right not to be mistreated or wrongly punished by the state.