Difference between Human Rights and Civil Rights

The terms civil rights and human rights are often used interchangeably, but refer to different legal and philosophical concepts. Both civil rights and human rights concern the dignity, freedom, and equality of individuals; however, both concepts arise from different traditions, like natural law and social contract, and have different degrees of scope. 

For example, human rights are universal, applying to all humans everywhere, while civil rights are specific to citizens of a country, and commonly established by law, as well as laws/legislation that protect civil rights in the country. It is important to understand the distinction between these two key concepts for students, professionals in law, activists, or anyone interested in democracy and justice.

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Key Differences Between Human Rights and Civil Rights

Understanding the differences between human rights and civil rights is a critical aspect of understanding how rights operate in relation to each other, both in the global and national contexts. The key differences are described here, starting with definitions and continuing with a comparison of scope, source, protection, examples, and enforcement.

Definition

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every person should have simply for being a human being. Human rights are universal, meaning everyone has them regardless of citizenship, nationality, race, sex, gender, or background, and they can usually be found in international processes and useful custodians such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

Civil rights are those rights granted and protected by a specific country’s government. Civil rights consist of legal, social, and political equality for all people. Civil rights are explicitly outlined in national constitutions, laws, and other legal jurisdictions, and they are tied to nationality; if you move to a different country, you lose the civil rights you had in the original country.

Scope

Human rights have a universal scope; they apply to all individuals in the world, no matter their nationality, citizenship, race, religion, or any other status. Also, these rights attach to the individual solely because they are a human being. 

On the other hand, Civil rights are based on a legal and political structure tied to a specific country and its laws, and only apply to that country's citizens or legal residents. Civil rights are enforced through the laws and institutions of an individual country, while human rights are enforceable by international law. 

Human rights seek to preserve the basic dignity of all human beings in the world, while civil rights provide equality and justice under a particular nation-state.

Source

Human Rights: Notions in International treaties, conventions, and declarations of human rights (i.e., UN Charter).

Civil Rights: Rights established in a nation’s legal system, including the constitution, laws, and court decisions.

Examples

Human Rights: 

The right to live, the right to education, Freedom of expression, and religion. 

Civil Rights: 

The right to vote, the right to a fair trial, the right to equality (before the law).