What are the basic characteristics of human rights?

The following are the basic characteristics of human rights:

1. Inherent – Human Rights are inherent because they are not granted by any person or authority.

2. Fundamental – Human Rights are fundamental rights because without them, the life and dignity of man will be meaningless.

3. Inalienable – Human Rights are inalienable because:

a. They cannot be rightfully taken away from a free individual.

b. They cannot be given away or be forfeited.

4. Imprescriptible – Human Rights do not prescribe and cannot be lost even if man fails to use or assert them, even by a long passage of time.

5. Indivisible – Human Rights are not capable of being divided. They cannot be denied even when other rights have already been enjoyed.

6. Universal – Human Rights are universal in application and they apply irrespective of one’s origin, status, or condition or place where one lives. Human rights are enforceable without national border.

7. Interdependent – Human Rights are interdependent because the fulfillment or exercise of one cannot be had without the realization of the other.