Rettighets

Rettighets refers to the set of entitlements and protections that individuals have by law, morality, or social norms. In Norwegian and related languages, the noun rettighet denotes a right; the plural rettigheter denotes rights. In compounds, rettighets- serves as a stem in terms like rettighetsvern (protection of rights) and rettighetsutøvelse (exercising rights).

Rights are a central element of liberal-democratic governance and international law. They typically include civil and political rights (freedom of expression, assembly, due process, privacy) and economic, social, and cultural rights (education, health, work, social security). Rights are often described as negative (freedom from interference) and positive (entitlements to benefits or services). Internationally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the two Covenants establish core standards, while regional systems such as the European Convention on Human Rights provide enforcement within their regions. National constitutions similarly enshrine basic rights and authorize remedies for violations.

Enforcement mechanisms include courts, human rights commissions or ombudsmen, and international monitoring bodies. Rights are not absolute; they may be limited to protect public safety, order, or the rights of others, typically assessed through tests of necessity and proportionality.

Contemporary issues include digital rights and data protection, gender equality, minority and indigenous rights, refugee protection, and the ongoing dialogue on universality versus cultural context. Debates also address implementation gaps, disparities in protection, and the balance between individual freedoms and social responsibilities. Rettighets, as a concept, underpins legal systems, public policy, and ethical discourse about how societies treat individuals and groups.