Human rights refer to the fundamental freedoms and protections that every individual is entitled to simply because they are human. These include basic rights such as the right to life, liberty, and security; freedom from slavery; torture or cruel treatment; freedom of opinion and expression; the right to marry and found a family; and many others. Human rights are universal, meaning that everyone, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, sex, age, or any other characteristic, is entitled to these fundamental freedoms and protections. The concept of human rights is based on the principle that every person has inherent dignity and worth, and should be treated with respect and equality. Violations of human rights can take many forms, including physical abuse, discrimination, or denial of basic needs such as food, water, shelter, or healthcare. Protecting and promoting human rights is an important goal for governments, organizations, and individuals around the world.