What is a key characteristic of human rights?

A key characteristic of human rights is their universal application to all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or any other status. This universality is fundamental because it asserts that every human being is entitled to the same rights simply by virtue of being human. This principle is enshrined in international documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which emphasizes that rights are inherent to all individuals without discrimination.

This concept of universal application promotes equality and challenges any notion that rights should be assigned based on specific demographics or contexts. It stands against ideas that suggest rights could be limited to certain groups or that their enforcement would vary depending on local authorities or particular societal circumstances. Human rights are meant to transcend borders and be recognized everywhere, thereby supporting the notion of global justice and accountability for all individuals.