Human rights, all the time

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. These human rights are not country-specific. They are not a reward for good behaviour, or particular to a certain era or social group. They are the inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times and everywhere, 365 days a year,” said UN Human Rights Commissioner, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

In an increasingly unequal world, where – as demonstrated within our own borders – extreme wealth cohabits with extreme poverty, many in the latter group draw cold comfort from the fact their right to dignity and equal standing before the law are guaranteed by the Constitution and protected by government. While government’s protection of this basic right is generally not in dispute, its commitment to other rights has come under fierce criticism, especially in the instance of indigenous peoples and their right to self-determination.