Minimum standard of well-ordered political institutions is critical for exercise and protection of human rights. Politics is driving force behind all changes in definition of individual rights as specific abuses enter the public consciousness. However, people still have human rights even if the laws or those in power do not recognize or protect them. The idea of human rights suggests equality of all people regardless of their race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, political affiliation and personal preferences. For example, your ability to participate in your government is directly affected by your right to express yourself, to get an education, and even to obtain the necessities of life.
Human rights are both inspirational and practical.
Human rights principles hold up the vision of a free, just, and peaceful world and set minimum standards for how individuals and institutions everywhere should treat people. Human rights also empower people with a framework for action when those minimum standards are not met. Although most of us usually take these actions for granted, people both here and in other countries do not enjoy all these liberties equally. Human rights violations also occur everyday in this country when a parent abuses a child, when a family is homeless, when a school provides inadequate education, when women are paid less than men, or when one person steals from another. Human rights should not viewed as absolute categories.