What are civil and political rights?

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What are civil and political rights?

Civil and political rights are fundamental human rights that are essential for individuals to live a dignified and free life. These rights primarily focus on protecting individuals' freedom, equality, and participation in the political and social spheres of society.

Civil rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms that individuals possess as citizens of a particular country. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, assembly, and association. Civil rights also encompass the right to privacy, property rights, and the right to a fair trial.

Political rights, on the other hand, are the rights that enable individuals to participate in the political processes of their country. These rights include the right to vote, the right to run for public office, and the right to engage in political activities such as joining political parties or expressing political opinions. Political rights ensure that individuals have a say in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and the governance of their society.

Both civil and political rights are crucial for the protection of individual freedoms, the promotion of democracy, and the prevention of discrimination and oppression. They are recognized and protected by various international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that all individuals are entitled to these rights without any distinction.