Human rights are basic rights that allow individuals the freedom to lead a dignified life, free from fear or want, and free to express independent beliefs. These rights apply equally and universally in all countries.

The internationally agreed standard is set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), proclaimed in 1948 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Governments of all 193 member countries of the UN have endorsed the UDHR - pledging to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and universal freedoms. The UN calls on every 'organ of society' - including business - to play a part in promoting respect for the rights and freedoms contained in the UDHR. These include:

• The right to life, liberty and security of person
• The right to freedom from torture and slavery
• The right to recognition and equality before the law
• The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
• The right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
• The right to property
• The right to decent work
• The right to rest and leisure
• The right to an adequate standard of living

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has identified eight core conventions covering fundamental principles and rights at work. These are part of the Framework of human rights:

• Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
• Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
• Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)
• Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
• Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
• Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
• Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
• Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

The International Bill of Human Rights together with the eight ILO core conventions are the most authoritative list of internationally recognized human rights.