Human Rights & Democracy

The Challenge 

Human Rights are universal and indivisible. The implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of other international human rights instruments is of paramount importance in order that the universal nature of the rights set down in these can become a reality. While there is a specific debate about the right to development, the enjoyment of all human rights, civil, cultural, economic, political and social, is essential for development. Equally, development is essential to enable the full enjoyment of those rights

The risk of rights violations is always greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. This can be the case in many of the countries where Irish Aid works

Spending on development is spending on human rights. In providing access to education, health services, clean water, housing and better government, Irish Aid is helping some of the most marginalised people in some of the most marginalised societies in the world to realise their rights every day. Our assistance is bringing to life, in a practical way, the language of rights.