Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other status. They are universal, inalienable, and indivisible, meaning they apply to everyone equally and cannot be taken away or denied.

Key principles of human rights include:

1. **Universal**: Human rights apply to all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. They are considered universal and apply equally to everyone, everywhere.

2. **Inalienable**: Human rights are inherent to human beings and cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken away. They are intrinsic to human dignity and are not contingent on government or societal approval.

3. **Indivisible and Interdependent**: Human rights are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that the fulfillment of one right often depends on the fulfillment of other rights. For example, access to education may be necessary for the realization of other rights such as the right to work or the right to participate in cultural life.

4. **Equality and Non-discrimination**: Human rights uphold the principle of equality and prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other status. All individuals are entitled to equal protection and opportunities under the law.

5. **Rights and Responsibilities**: While individuals have rights, they also have responsibilities towards others and society as a whole. The exercise of rights should not infringe upon the rights of others, and individuals have a duty to respect the rights and dignity of others.

Some of the most widely recognized human rights include:

- The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- The right to freedom of expression, belief, and religion.
- The right to work and education.
- The right to adequate standard of living, including food, shelter, and healthcare.
- The right to participate in government and free and fair elections.

International human rights law, including treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, provides a framework for the protection and promotion of human rights at the national, regional, and international levels. Additionally, many countries have established domestic laws and institutions to safeguard human rights and hold violators accountable.