The idea that all human beings – regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status – are entitled to human rights is built into the foundation of the United Nations. These fundamental rights include freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, right to life and liberty, work and education, and many more.

To ensure that these rights are available to everyone across all cultures, the United Nations works to mainstream human rights within the UN system and collaborates closely with governments in the field to identify, highlight, and develop responses to human rights challenges.