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What is the role of human rights within a democratic society?

Jelani McBeath

Human rights play a critical role in the functioning of a democratic society. In a democratic society, all individuals have certain inalienable rights that are guaranteed by law and cannot be taken away from them without due process. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to freedom of expression, religion, and association.

Human rights are essential for a thriving democracy because they protect individuals from the abuses of the state and other powerful institutions. In a democratic society, the government has a responsibility to protect and promote the rights of its citizens. This includes protecting individuals from arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of abuse, as well as ensuring that they have access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and housing.

Human rights also play a crucial role in promoting equality and social justice. In a democratic society, all individuals should have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. Human rights protect individuals from discrimination, allowing them to fully participate in society and to contribute to its development.

In addition, human rights are important for ensuring that individuals can hold their government accountable, and that they can participate in the decision-making process. Democracies rely on the participation of citizens to function effectively, and human rights allow individuals to fully exercise their rights as citizens.

Overall, the role of human rights within a democratic society is to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, to promote equality and social justice, and to ensure that citizens can participate fully in the democratic process. Without these rights, democracy cannot function effectively, and individuals are at risk of abuse by those in power. Therefore, it is essential that governments ensure that human rights are respected and protected, and that individuals are able to fully exercise their rights as citizens of a democratic society.