History of human rights development

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Publication date: 15.07.2024

History of human rights development
 

Introduction
 

Human rights are a fundamental component of modern society that ensures the protection of fundamental freedoms and dignity of every individual. The history of human rights development reflects the struggle of mankind for justice, equality and freedom. In this article, we will look at the key stages of human rights development from ancient times to the present.
 

Ancient times
 

The Code of Hammurabi
 

One of the oldest known legal documents is the Code of Hammurabi, created in Babylon around 1754 BC. The Code contains laws and penalties that set out rules of behaviour for society, but human rights in the modern sense were not yet defined. The Code established the principle of "an eye for an eye", which, although cruel, provided a measure of justice in the society of the time.
 

Athenian democracy
 

In the fifth century BC, Athens developed a system of direct democracy that granted citizens certain political rights, such as the right to vote and participation in decision-making. However, these rights did not apply to women, slaves and foreigners, which significantly limited their scope. Despite these limitations, Athenian democracy was an important step in the development of the concept of civil rights.
 

Roman law
 

Roman law, which developed from the sixth century BC to the fifth century AD, laid the foundations for many modern legal systems. Principles of law, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, became important elements in the future development of human rights. The Corpus Juris Civilis, the code of laws of Emperor Justinian, included principles that became the foundation for European legal thinking.
 

The Middle Ages
 

Magna Carta
 

In 1215, King John the Landless of England signed the Magna Carta, which limited royal power and laid the foundations of the rule of law. The Charter guaranteed certain rights to the barons and established the rule of law, which was an important step in the development of human rights. Magna Carta became a symbol of the struggle for rights and freedoms, influencing future legal documents.
 

The Statute of Westminster
 

In 1297, the English Parliament approved the Statute of Westminster, which reaffirmed the rights laid down in Magna Carta and added new provisions to protect property rights and justice. This document became the basis for the further development of English law and human rights.
 

Modern times
 

The Bill of Rights
 

In 1689, the Bill of Rights was adopted in England, which limited the power of the monarch and expanded the rights of parliament and citizens. The document protected fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly and the right to a fair trial.
 

The US Declaration of Independence
 

In 1776, the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed human rights as inalienable and natural. The document emphasised the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and proclaimed the equality of all people.
 

The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
 

The French Revolution of 1789 led to the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity. The Declaration enshrined the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, the right to a fair trial and other fundamental rights. It became the basis for the modern understanding of human rights in Europe.
 

The US Bill of Rights
 

In 1791, the US adopted the Bill of Rights, which became the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution. The Bill of Rights ensured the protection of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to bear arms and a fair trial. This document became a model for the protection of human rights in other countries.
 

Abolitionism and the abolition of slavery
 

In the nineteenth century, the abolitionist movement contributed to the abolition of slavery in many countries. In 1865, the United States adopted the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which officially banned slavery. The abolition of slavery was an important step in ensuring human rights for all people, regardless of their race.
 

The modern period
 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
 

After the Second World War, in 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration defined a wide range of rights, including the right to life, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to work, education and health. It became the basis for many international human rights treaties and conventions.
 

International treaties and conventions
 

Since the second half of the twentieth century, many international treaties and conventions have been adopted to protect human rights. Among them: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and others. These documents set binding standards of human rights protection for member states.
 

European Convention on Human Rights
 

In 1950, the European Convention on Human Rights was signed, creating a mechanism for the protection of human rights through the European Court of Human Rights. The Convention protects a wide range of rights, including the right to life, liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, the right to respect for private and family life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression and other rights. The European Convention has become a model for regional treaties in other parts of the world.
 

African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
 

The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted in 1981, set standards for the protection of human rights in African countries. It includes not only civil and political rights, but also economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the rights of peoples to self-determination and development.
 

The American Convention on Human Rights
 

The American Convention on Human Rights, signed in 1969, established an inter-American system of human rights protection. It includes the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which examine cases of human rights violations in the participating countries.
 

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
 

The CEDAW, adopted in 1979, obliges states parties to take all necessary measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life. The Convention ensures women's equality in political, economic, social, cultural and other aspects of life.
 

Convention on the Rights of the Child
 

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, defines the rights of children and obliges states to ensure the protection and development of children. The Convention includes the right to education, health care, protection from exploitation and abuse, the right to participate in society and other rights.