FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

By Yordan and Isabel

Can there be innate fundamental rights? If yes, which fundamental rights are the true rights without cultural bias?

Contents
I. II. III. IV. V. Definition Historical Religious Philosophical Conclusion

Definition
Websters New World Law Dictionary
A basic or foundational rights Derived from natural law

Rights
Involve: (Haas, 2008) Ability to demand Enjoyment of liberty and justice Fulfillment of socio-cultural and political

needs

EXCURSION THROUGH HISTORY

History
before 19th century
Early rulers who attempted to guarantee rights were not always followed by successors with similar commitments The American Revolution(1776): The Colonists wanted to be representated in the English Parliament. The French Revolution (1789): The citizens were unsatisfied with the absolutist powers of the King.

History
19th century

In the 19th century human rights became a central concern over the issue of slavery. Different opinions about the slavery issue lead to the American Civil War. The USA, the UK, Spain and France abolished slavery
Abolition of Slavery in French Colonies, 1848" by Auguste Franois Biard

History
20th century
There has been a lot of changes during the 20th century. Women gained the right to vote. Working conditions became better. National liberation movements succeded in driving out colonial powers. The Two World Wars lead to the modern human rights.

EXCURSION THROUGH RELIGION

Major Religions

Hinduism
All human life is to be loved

and respected without distinction No injury to other Practice charity and compassion to the poor

Hinduism
Respected without distinction

Caste system?

Hinduism
Krisha Chaitanya principle of equality before law

Mohandas Gandhi self determination, nonviolence,

and principle of equality

Buddhism
Respect for all persons (even

animals!)
Right of happiness

Islam
Al-Farabi (872-950) Muhammad launched human rights movement
-Rights to life -Property -Inheritance -Religion, etc

EXCURSION THROUGH PHILOSOPHY

Stoics
No one was a slave by nature Human equality

Aristotle
Individual should flourish

and develop intellectually Government must protect liberty

Jean Bodin
Government should respect: The laws of God Natural liberty Natural right to property

John Locke
Three fundamental rights Life Liberty Estate

US Declaration of Independence
Three fundamental rights Life Liberty The pursuit of happiness

Philosophical basis for human rights

CONCLUSION

Conclusion
Can there be innate fundamental rights? If yes, which fundamental rights are the true rights without cultural bias?

Conclusion
From different perspectives there are always the same thing: to life, liberty, etc. Thus a right may be considered as a true fundamental right if it cumulatively involves: Ability to demand Enjoyment of liberty and justice Fulfillment of socio-cultural and political needs

References
Haas, Michael. 2008. International Human Rights. New York: Routledge. Davis, David Brion. 1966. The Problem of Slavery in Western Culture. Cornell University Press, p. 77. Pauline Maier, 1993. American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, p. 134.

Thank you for your attention