According to the above mentioned definitions the foundation of human rights is virtue or good
conduct. Before being given a legal protection they were known as natural rights. What is
evident from the historical evolution of rights is that individuals or institutes with state power
were instrumental in restricting, disregarding or violating them. Therefore, in order to secure
their rights people during the respective periods rose up in numerous ways against such state
powers. In such instances the people made a legal foundation through agreements, charters,
declarations, conventions etc. to have such human rights protected by the state. Therefore,
human rights are also known as rights which are against the state and have to be made protected
by it. Thus, in the modern human rights definitions they are known not only as a code of conduct
meant merely for individual and social relationships but also as a legal system aimed at
relationships and responsibilities between the person and the state as well as society and the
state. Thus, it is to the state that the responsibility of protecting human rights is entrusted. In that
scenario the responsibility of legally protecting, promoting and respecting rights is devolved
upon the state.
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