Human rights protect the basic dignity of each person and a violation of those rights is an attack on the dignity of a person. Because we live in communities, and society as a whole, we have a responsibility to ensure that the human rights of all members of our society are protected and can be enjoyed equally. It goes on to add that 'everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society'. However, the Universal Declaration also makes the clear point that no individual, group or government can abuse this power to limit the basic rights of individuals. Back to Top 6.
Discrimination can either be direct or indirect.
Direct discrimination takes place when an individual is disadvantaged or treated less favourably than another person. An example of direct discrimination is failing to employ someone because he or she in a wheelchair. Indirect discrimination happens when a practice or policy appears to be fair because it treats everyone the same way but actually disadvantages people from a particular group. An example of indirect discrimination is requiring all people who apply for a certain job to pass an English test, even though English is not necessary for the job. This test might exclude more people whose first language is not English.