History of human rights

The history of human rights involves religious, cultural, philosophical and legal developments throughout recorded history. While the modern human rights movement hugely expanded in post-World War II era, the concept can be traced through all major religions, cultures and philosophies. Ancient Hindu law (Manu Smriti), Confucianism, the Qu'ran and the Ten Commandments all outline some of the rights now included in the Universal Declaration of Huma... more

The history of human rights involves religious, cultural, philosophical and legal developments throughout recorded history. While the modern human rights movement hugely expanded in post-World War II era, the concept can be traced through all major religions, cultures and philosophies. Ancient Hindu law (Manu Smriti), Confucianism, the Qu'ran and the Ten Commandments all outline some of the rights now included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The concept of natural law, guaranteeing natural rights despite varying human laws and customs, can be traced back to Ancient Greek philosophers, while Enlightenment philosophers suggest a social contract between the rulers and the ruled. The world's first Buddhist state in India, known as the Maurya Empire, established the world's first welfare system, including free hospitals and education. The African concept of ubuntu is a cultural view of what it is to be human. Modern human rights thinking is descended from these many... less