Human rights are those values and capabilities that every person, everywhere in the world, is entitled to enjoy as inherent to their dignity. They are indivisible and interdependent; the fulfilment of one right often depends on, or is affected by, the fulfillment of other rights. The International Bill of Human Rights, which includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its two Optional Protocols, is the basis for the work that goes on at the United Nations and in other organisations worldwide.
The concept of human rights has developed in response to the atrocities and huge loss of life experienced during World War II, and the establishment of a new organisation, the United Nations, that would seek to prevent conflict and build peace. The emphasis on the protection of human rights was an important factor that differentiated the UN from previous international organisations, and was reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948.
The Declaration formulated for the first time that the rights of every individual must be protected and respected, irrespective of their race or colour, sex or gender, national or social origin, religion, language, property, birth or other status. It also established that these rights are inalienable, i.e. they belong to the individual and can neither be voluntarily given up nor taken away. The Declaration has been incorporated into the constitutions of many new states and is translated into over 500 languages.