What is the difference between civil rights and human rights?

The difference between civil rights and human rights is significant. Civil rights are specific rights to protect citizens from discrimination, infringement, or violation of rights. These rights are typically granted to citizens (or residents) of a particular country, state, or jurisdiction. Examples of civil rights in the United States include freedom of speech, the right to vote, the right to bear arms, and the right to keep and bear arms. In Texas, for example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects citizens against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, and gender. Human rights, on the other hand, are more broad and universal. These are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, race, gender, ethnicity, or any other social identity. Examples of human rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person, the right to free and fair elections, the right to work, the right to education, and freedom from torture. Human rights cover broader areas than civil rights, and are applicable to all human beings around the world. In Texas, human rights law is enforced through the Texas Human Rights Act, which is part of the state’s civil rights legislation. This legislation prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability. The law provides various remedies to those who have experienced discrimination, such as compensatory damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief. In addition, it requires employers and businesses to take necessary measures to prevent discrimination in the workplace.

Related FAQs

What is the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?
How is the European Convention on Human Rights enforced?
How is the right to education protected in human rights law?
What is the role of the International Labour Organization in protecting human rights?
Is freedom of expression a human right?
How is the right to privacy protected by human rights law?
What is the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights?
What is the right to own property?
What is the right to work?
What are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Related Blog Posts

Protecting Human Rights: An Introduction to the International Law of Human Rights - July 31, 2023
Exploring Human Rights: Your Guide to Understanding Human Rights Law - August 7, 2023
Who Is Protected By Human Rights Law? - August 14, 2023
The Human Rights Act: Understanding the UK’s Domestic Legal Framework - August 21, 2023
Human Rights in the European Union: An Overview - August 28, 2023