Classification of Human Rights

Human rights can be classified in a number of different ways. Some rights may fall into more than one of the available categories. One of the most widely used classifications distinguishes two general categories: classic or civil and political rights, and social rights that also include economic and cultural rights. Classic rights generally restrict the powers of the government in respect of actions affecting the individual and his or her autonomy (civil rights) and confer an opportunity upon people to contribute to the determination of laws and participate in government (political rights). Social rights require the governments to act in a positive, interventionist manner so as to create the necessary conditions for human life and development. The governments are expected to take active steps toward promoting the well-being of all its members out of social solidarity. It is believed that everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization of the economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) indispensable for his or her dignity and the free development of his or her personality.

All human rights carry corresponding obligations that must be translated into concrete duties to guarantee these rights. For many years, traditional human rights discourse was dominated by the misperception that civil and political rights require only negative duties while economic, social and cultural rights require positive duties. In this view, the right to free speech is guaranteed when the state leaves people alone, whereas the state must take positive action to guarantee the right to health by building health clinics and providing immunization.

The importance of social networks in Human Rights

Social media come with potential problems, as well as gains. This new phenomenon presents us with a range of fresh challenges. One important issue is how to ensure that Internet regulations do not strangle freedom of expression.The Human Rights Commission of Australia has embraced social media: They are active on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and blogs. Citizens can register complaints online to the Human Rights Commission of New Zealand. The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Britain is also onboard with social media. The South African Human Rights Commission established an e-learning portal, partnering with educational institutions to promote human rights education. Most mainstream human rights advocates and campaigners use social media as an integral part of their outreach.Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Witness are among the internationally recognized advocacy and research organizations now using Twitter to share information and calls to action. Amnesty International has said that social media is key as it explores the future of human rights activism.

The web presence of all ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions should factor in the specific needs of people with disabilities, minorities (including such issues as minority languages), and other disadvantaged and vulnerable groups when using social media.

Whether or not the expanded reach of social media results in more effective advocacy, outreach, and thematic campaigns for policy change depends on how well rights institutions, advocates, and campaigners translate access into action.

The issue of public legitimacy is particularly pertinent as young people across the region (and in other regions too) are increasingly using social media to express themselves and share information.