Civil Rights

Civil rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to all individuals, primarily protected and upheld by law, in any given society. These rights are designed to ensure an individual’s ability to participate in the civil and political life of society without discrimination or repression. Civil rights include the protection of physical and mental integrity, life and safety; protection from discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, national origin, color, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or disability; and rights of privacy, freedom of thought, speech, religion, assembly, and movement. The protection and enforcement of these rights are crucial for maintaining a democratic society where all citizens have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic and social progress. Civil rights movements throughout history have played a pivotal role in securing legislative changes that enforce the equal rights and legal protections for all members of society.