This article comprehensively overviews the most important human rights terminologies crucial for CSS and PMS aspirants. Learning to write them will enable aspirants to navigate complex political concepts effectively.
Learning to write subject terminologies is always essential for competitive exam students, especially CSS and PMS. This practice gives aspirants a deeper understanding of complex concepts, ultimately helping them articulate their thoughts clearly. Learning to write these terms appropriately not only enhances comprehension but also equips aspirants to engage effectively with exam essays. For example, in fields like political economy, acquaintance with terms such as “globalization” and “trade barriers” helps aspirants confidently analyze and debate relevant issues. After learning these terminologies, aspirants can tackle exam questions more adeptly because they can apply these terms contextually, demonstrating their knowledge and critical thinking skills. Therefore, learning subject-specific terminology is not just about learning words or vocabulary; it’s all about improving exam scores.
I have compiled the following terminologies from various reputable sources: dictionaries, websites, books, and magazines. This compilation is intended to aid my students in enhancing their vocabulary and effectively articulating their thoughts in essays, whether for compulsory or optional subjects.
Important Human Rights Terminologies
| Human Rights |
| Fundamental rights entitled to all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or other status. |
| Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) |
| A 1948 document by the UN outlining basic human rights guaranteed to all. |
| International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) |
| A treaty that commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals. |
| International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) |
| A treaty ensuring economic, social, and cultural rights. |
| Civil Rights |
| The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. |
| Political Rights |
| Rights allowing individuals to participate in political processes, like voting and running for office. |
| Social Rights |
| Rights related to social welfare, including health, housing, and education. |
| Cultural Rights |
| Rights ensuring access to and participation in cultural life. |
| Economic Rights |
| Rights relating to the ability to work, fair wages, and a standard of living. |
| Equality |
| The state of being equal, especially in rights, status, and opportunities. |
| Non-Discrimination |
| The principle that all people should be treated equally without unjust bias. |
| Right to Life |
| The most fundamental human right, ensuring no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of life. |
| Right to Privacy |
| The right to keep one’s personal matters and communications private. |
| Freedom of Speech |
| The right to express opinions without censorship or restraint. |
| Freedom of Assembly |
| The right to hold public meetings and form associations without interference. |
| Freedom of Religion |
| The right to practice any religion or to live without following a religion. |
| Freedom of Thought |
| The right to think freely, including holding religious and political beliefs. |
| Right to a Fair Trial |
| The right to be heard in a court of law and to receive a just process. |
| Torture |
| The act of deliberately inflicting severe physical or mental suffering on someone. |
| Asylum |
| The protection given by a country to someone fleeing persecution. |
| Refugee |
| A person forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence. |
| Genocide |
| Deliberate extermination of a national, racial, or cultural group. |
| Crimes against Humanity |
| Widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, enslavement, and torture. |
| War Crimes |
| Violations of the laws or customs of war, including the treatment of prisoners and civilians. |
| Humanitarian Law |
| Legal rules protecting people in conflict zones. |
| Human Dignity |
| The inherent worth of all human beings, irrespective of circumstances. |
| Right to Education |
| The right for every individual to access free, compulsory primary education. |
| Right to Health |
| The right to access healthcare and live in a healthy environment. |
| Freedom from Slavery |
| The prohibition of slavery and servitude in all forms. |
| Forced Labor |
| Work or service that is performed involuntarily under threat of penalty. |
| Child Labor |
| The employment of children under the legal working age. |
| Women’s Rights |
| Rights that promote equality and non-discrimination of women. |
| LGBTQ+ Rights |
| Rights related to the equality and non-discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals. |
| Right to Property |
| The right to own property and not be arbitrarily deprived of it. |
| Right to Nationality |
| The right to belong to a country and have the legal protection that comes with it. |
| Right to Work |
| The right to engage in meaningful employment and earn a fair wage. |
| Right to Social Security |
| The right to receive financial assistance in cases of unemployment, illness, and disability. |
| Right to Rest and Leisure |
| The right to take time off from work and enjoy leisure activities. |
| Freedom of Movement |
| The right to move freely within a country and to leave or enter any country, including one’s own. |
| Democracy |
| A form of government in which all citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes. |
| Civil Society |
| The organizations and institutions that operate independently of the government, including NGOs. |
| Censorship |
| The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information. |
| Arbitrary Detention |
| Imprisonment without a fair trial or legal basis. |
| Indigenous Rights |
| The rights of native peoples to maintain their land, culture, and traditions. |
| Right to Self-Determination |
| The right of people to decide their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. |
| Human Trafficking |
| The illegal trade of people for exploitation or forced labor. |
| Right to Shelter |
| The right to have adequate housing and protection from homelessness. |
| Right to Water |
| The right to access safe, clean, and sufficient drinking water. |
| Disability Rights |
| Rights promoting equality and non-discrimination of individuals with disabilities. |
| Freedom from Discrimination |
| The right to be treated equally without unfair bias based on race, gender, age, etc. |
| Right to Participate in Cultural Life |
| The right to access and enjoy cultural activities, including art and heritage. |
| Freedom from Persecution |
| Protection from punishment or hostility based on race, religion, or political beliefs. |
| Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest |
| Protection from being detained or imprisoned without a legal reason. |
| Freedom of the Press |
| The right of media to report news without censorship or restriction. |
| Environmental Rights |
| The right to live in a healthy environment, free from pollution and environmental harm. |
| Right to Development |
| The right to participate in and benefit from economic, social, and cultural development. |
| Right to Family Life |
| The right to have and maintain family relationships without arbitrary interference. |
| Right to Free Elections |
| The right to participate in free and fair elections, choosing government representatives. |
| Due Process |
| Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person. |
| Right to Protest |
| The right to demonstrate or express dissent in public. |
| Right to Reparation |
| The right to receive compensation for damages caused by violations of rights. |
| Reproductive Rights |
| Rights related to reproduction, including family planning and access to health services. |
| Gender Equality |
| Equal treatment and opportunities for individuals regardless of gender. |
| Hate Speech |
| Speech that attacks or discriminates against a group based on race, religion, gender, etc. |
| Freedom from Exploitation |
| Protection from being used unfairly for someone else’s benefit. |
| Right to Information |
| The right to access public information held by governments and organizations. |
| Poverty |
| A state of deprivation where a person lacks basic resources and services like food, shelter, and healthcare. |
| Right to Adequate Living Standards |
| The right to have basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing met. |
| Racial Discrimination |
| Treating someone unfairly based on their race or ethnicity. |
| Minority Rights |
| Special protections for ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities to preserve their identity and culture. |
| Freedom of Association |
| The right to join or form groups, such as unions or political parties. |
| Right to Freedom from Cruel and Inhuman Treatment |
| Protection from harsh and degrading treatment. |
| Right to Seek Redress |
| The right to obtain a remedy for harm or a violation of rights through legal means. |
| Freedom from Forced Marriage |
| The right to marry freely without coercion or force. |
| Right to Food |
| The right to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. |
| Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) |
| People who are forced to leave their home but remain within their country’s borders. |
| Right to a Safe Environment |
| The right to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. |
| Death Penalty |
| The legal process by which a person is executed by the state as punishment for a crime. |
| Universal Jurisdiction |
| The principle that a state can prosecute individuals for serious crimes like genocide, regardless of where the crime occurred. |
| Right to Non-Refoulement |
| The principle that refugees or asylum seekers should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. |
| Right to participate in the Arts |
| The right to engage in and enjoy artistic and cultural activities. |
| Right to Peaceful Assembly |
| The right to gather for peaceful protests and public demonstrations. |
| Right to Form Trade Unions |
| The right to create and join organizations that protect workers’ rights. |
| Right to Liberty |
| The right to personal freedom, protected from unlawful detention or imprisonment. |
| International Humanitarian Law |
| Legal framework that protects individuals in armed conflict situations. |
| Right to Freedom from Retroactive Law |
| Protection against being charged with a crime that was not illegal at the time it was committed. |
| Right to Non-Interference |
| Protection from unnecessary or unlawful government interference in personal matters. |
| Affirmative Action |
| Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups. |
| Right to Freedom from Discrimination |
| Protection against unequal treatment based on characteristics like race, gender, or religion. |
| Democratic Rights |
| Rights that ensure individuals can participate in the political process. |
| Interdependence of Rights |
| The concept that all human rights are interconnected and equally important. |
| Human Rights Violations |
| Breaches of fundamental rights protected by international law. |
| Sovereignty |
| The authority of a state to govern itself, often discussed in the context of human rights interventions. |
| Extradition |
| The process of surrendering a suspected criminal to another jurisdiction for trial. |
| Public Health Rights |
| Rights related to access to healthcare and protection against health risks. |
| International Criminal Court (ICC) |
| A court established to prosecute individuals for international crimes such as genocide and war crimes. |
| Restorative Justice |
| A system focused on rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community. |
| Right to Freedom from Torture |
| The prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment under any circumstances. |
| Legal Personhood |
| The status of being recognized as a legal entity with rights and responsibilities. |
| Environmental Justice |
| The fair treatment and involvement of all people in environmental policies and practices. |
| Digital Privacy |
| The right to control one’s personal information in digital spaces. |
| Freedom of Information |
| The right to access information held by public authorities. |
| Anti-Trafficking Laws |
| Legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting victims. |
| Breach of Contract |
| A violation of the terms agreed upon in a legally binding agreement, sometimes relating to human rights in employment. |
| Civic Responsibility |
| The duties and obligations of citizens to participate in their community and government. |
| Human Rights Committee |
| A body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of human rights treaties. |
| Right to Work in Just Conditions |
| The right to fair wages and safe working conditions. |
| Right to Housing |
| The right to have access to adequate and affordable housing. |
| Labor Rights |
| Rights related to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. |
| Proportionality Principle |
| A legal doctrine ensuring that any restriction on rights is necessary and proportionate to the aim pursued. |
| Surveillance |
| Monitoring of individuals or groups, which can raise human rights concerns regarding privacy. |
| Political Prisoner |
| A person imprisoned for their political beliefs or actions rather than for any criminal act. |
| Civic Space |
| The environment in which individuals can freely engage in public life and express their rights. |
| Safe Spaces |
| Environments where individuals can express themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment. |
| Right to be heard |
| The right of individuals to present their views in decisions affecting them. |
| Institutional Discrimination |
| Discriminatory practices embedded in social, economic, or political institutions. |
| Right to Counsel |
| The right to have legal representation in judicial proceedings. |
| Indemnity |
| Compensation for harm or loss, often discussed in the context of human rights violations. |
| Right to Self-Expression |
| The freedom to express one’s thoughts and beliefs. |
| Social Justice |
| The pursuit of a just society characterized by equality, fairness, and human rights. |
| Victim Advocacy |
| Support provided to victims of crime, often focused on human rights and legal assistance. |
| Right to Citizenship |
| The right to be recognized as a member of a state with associated rights and responsibilities. |
| Cultural Relativism |
| The concept that a person’s beliefs and practices should be understood based on their own culture. |
| Counter-Terrorism |
| Strategies and laws aimed at preventing and responding to terrorism, which can sometimes impact human rights. |
| Forced Migration |
| Movement of people against their will due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. |
| Indigenous Peoples |
| Ethnic groups that are the original inhabitants of a region, often facing human rights challenges. |
| Public Interest |
| The welfare or well-being of the general public, often considered in human rights discussions. |
| Civic Education |
| Teaching individuals about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. |
| Judicial Independence |
| The principle that the judiciary should be independent from other branches of government. |
| Right to Bear Arms |
| The legal right to possess weapons, often debated in the context of public safety and human rights. |
| Collective Rights |
| Rights held by groups rather than individuals, often relevant for minorities and indigenous peoples. |
| Right to Freedom of Expression |
| The right to express one’s opinions freely through speech, writing, and other forms. |
| Transnational Advocacy |
| Efforts by groups to promote human rights across national borders. |
| Humanitarian Aid |
| Assistance provided to relieve human suffering during emergencies. |
| Right to Security |
| The right to live free from threats and violence. |
| Right to Recognition |
| The right to be acknowledged as a person with legal status and rights. |
| Transgender Rights |
| Rights advocating for the equal treatment and recognition of transgender individuals. |
| Stateless Persons |
| Individuals who are not considered citizens of any country, facing various human rights challenges. |
| Social Movements |
| Organized efforts by groups to promote social change, often related to human rights issues. |
| Right to Development |
| The principle that all people should have access to economic, social, and cultural development. |
| NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) |
| An organization independent of government, often working to promote human rights and social issues. |
| Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation |
| Unequal treatment of individuals based on their sexual preferences. |
| Freedom from Poverty |
| The right to live free from extreme poverty and access basic needs. |
| Human Rights Treaty |
| An agreement between states to uphold specific human rights standards. |
| Self-Care |
| Actions taken by individuals to maintain their health and well-being, relevant in discussions of rights to health. |
| Judicial Review |
| The power of courts to review the legality of legislative and executive actions, including human rights laws. |
| Right to Peace |
| The idea that individuals and communities should have a right to live in peace and security. |
| Crisis Intervention |
| Actions taken to provide immediate support and protection in emergency situations. |
| Censorship of the Internet |
| Restrictions on online information and communication, affecting freedom of expression. |
| Environmental Rights |
| The rights of individuals and communities to a healthy environment. |
| Collective Bargaining |
| Negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at establishing terms of employment. |
| Right to Information Act |
| Legislation that guarantees public access to information held by government bodies. |
| Right to Dignity |
| The principle that all individuals deserve respect and acknowledgment of their inherent worth. |
| International Bill of Human Rights |
| A collective term for the UDHR and its associated covenants. |
| Cultural Diversity |
| The variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society, recognized and protected under human rights. |
| Freedom from Exploitation |
| Protection against being treated unfairly or used for someone else’s gain. |
| Right to Advocate |
| The right to promote or support a cause or policy, especially in relation to human rights. |
| Women’s Empowerment |
| Efforts aimed at improving the social, economic, and political status of women. |
| Racial Equality |
| The state of equal rights and opportunities regardless of race. |
| National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) |
| Organizations established by governments to promote and protect human rights. |
| Right to Family Reunification |
| The right of individuals to have their family members join them in a new country. |
| Oppression |
| Systematic and unjust treatment of a group, often resulting in human rights violations. |
| Mental Health Rights |
| Rights pertaining to the mental health treatment and care of individuals. |
| Right to Cultural Identity |
| The right of individuals and groups to preserve and express their culture. |
| Civic Engagement |
| Participation in public affairs and community activities to promote human rights. |
| Social Equity |
| Fairness in social policy, including equal access to resources and opportunities. |
| Restitution |
| Compensation or return of property lost due to wrongful acts, often related to historical injustices. |
| Survivor’s Rights |
| Rights specific to victims of violence and abuse, focusing on support and restitution. |
| Biodiversity Rights |
| Rights ensuring the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity. |
| Right to Freedom from Victimization |
| Protection against harassment or intimidation based on one’s status or actions. |
| Public Health Ethics |
| Ethical considerations related to public health policies and practices, including human rights implications. |
| Forced Eviction |
| The removal of individuals from their homes against their will, often violating housing rights. |
| Historical Justice |
| Addressing past injustices to promote reconciliation and healing. |
| Right to Freedom from Gender-Based Violence |
| Protection against violence motivated by gender. |
| Right to Participate in Cultural Activities |
| The right to engage in and enjoy cultural events and expressions. |
| International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) |
| An organization that promotes human rights internationally. |
| Racism |
| Prejudice or discrimination based on race, leading to systemic inequalities and human rights violations. |
| Self-Determination |
| The right of a group to determine its political status and pursue its economic, social, and cultural development. |
| Mental Health Advocacy |
| Efforts to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with mental health issues. |
| Post-Conflict Justice |
| Measures taken to address human rights abuses in the aftermath of conflict. |
| Ecological Justice |
| Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental policies and practices. |
| Right to Participate in Government |
| The right to engage in political processes and decision-making. |
| Empowerment of Marginalized Communities |
| Initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacities of disadvantaged groups. |
| Transitional Governance |
| Temporary government structures established during a transition from conflict to peace. |
| Political Participation |
| Engagement of individuals in political processes, including voting and activism. |
| Right to Healthcare |
| The right to access necessary medical services and treatment. |
| Cultural Rights |
| Rights ensuring individuals and groups can express and enjoy their cultural identity. |
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