Human Rights Are Not Radical

The idea that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, simply by virtue of being human, shouldn't be a controversial one. Yet, in far too many conversations, advocating for fundamental human rights is painted as a "radical" stance. This framing is not only inaccurate, but it's also dangerous.

What Are Human Rights, Really?

Let's clarify what we're talking about. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They are universal, inalienable,1 indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. Think of them as the foundational principles for a just and peaceful society.

These rights include things we often take for granted in stable democracies:

• The right to life and liberty: No one should be enslaved or arbitrarily killed.

• Freedom from torture and degrading treatment: Everyone deserves physical and psychological safety.

• Freedom of opinion and expression: The ability to think and speak freely without fear of persecution.

• The right to work and education: Opportunities for personal growth and economic security.

• The right to a fair trial: Justice for all.

These aren't extreme demands; they're the bedrock of a civilized world. They are enshrined in international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, following the horrors of World War II, with the overwhelming support of the global community.

Why Are They Labeled "Radical"?

The "radical" label is often applied to human rights advocacy for a few key reasons:

• Challenging the Status Quo: When human rights are denied, it's often to maintain existing power structures or economic advantages. Advocating for human rights inherently challenges these inequalities, which can be perceived as disruptive by those who benefit from the status quo.

• Misinformation and Fear-Mongering: Opponents of human rights sometimes distort their meaning or present them as a threat to national sovereignty, cultural traditions, or economic prosperity. This fear-mongering aims to discredit legitimate calls for justice.

• Apathy and Complacency: For many, the concept of human rights feels distant, especially when they live in societies where many of these rights are largely protected. This can lead to a lack of understanding or a dismissive attitude toward the struggles of others.

The True Radicalism: Denying Human Rights

If upholding basic human dignity is considered radical, then what is the alternative? The true radicalism lies in the systematic denial of these fundamental rights. It's radical to:

• Torture political prisoners.

• Deny girls an education.

• Discriminate against people based on their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

• Silence dissenting voices through violence or intimidation.

• Allow people to starve when there is enough food to go around.

These are the actions that destabilize societies, fuel conflict, and lead to widespread suffering. These are the truly extreme positions.

Standing Firm for What's Right

Advocating for human rights is not about pushing a niche political agenda. It's about recognizing our shared humanity and building a world where everyone can thrive. It's about ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are protected, and that justice is accessible to all.

So, the next time someone tries to dismiss human rights as "radical," remember that what's truly radical is the denial of our collective responsibility to treat each other with respect and ensure basic dignity for every human being on this planet.