essay on the right to life

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The Right to Life: a Fundamental Human Right

• Categories: Right to Die Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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Words: 633 |

Published: Sep 16, 2023

Words: 633 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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Defining the right to life, the legal framework, controversies and ethical considerations, 1. capital punishment:, 2. abortion:, 3. armed conflict and self-defense:, 4. right to die:.

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International Justice Resource Center

Right to Life

Additional resources.

The right to life covers issues such as extrajudicial killings by State agents, imposition of the death penalty, and enforced disappearance. The right to life is protected in the core regional and universal human rights instruments, including the following:

• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (art. 4)
• American Convention on Human Rights (art. 4)
• American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man (art. 1)
• Arab Charter on Human Rights (arts. 5-8)
• Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (art. 9)
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (art. 6)
• European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (art. 2)
• Inter-American Convention on the Forced Disappearance of Persons
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 6)
• Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances
• Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights to Abolish the Death Penalty
• Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
• Universal Declaration on Human Rights (art. 3)

Relatedly, violations of international humanitarian law (e.g. use of prohibited weapons resulting in death, or disregard for civilian loss of life) and of international criminal law (e.g. genocide) may also involve violations of the right to life. For example, see the Genocide Convention and Geneva Conventions .

Significant exceptions absolve States from international responsibility for an individual’s death in specific circumstances.  These are most clearly enunciated in Article 2(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights, which reads:

2. Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary: a. in defence of any person from unlawful violence; b. in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; c. in action lawfully taken for the purpose of quelling a riot or insurrection.

These exceptions have been quite strictly interpreted.  As set out in other instruments, Article 15 of the European Convention—pertaining to derogations from international obligations in times of emergency—further provides that derogations from Article 2 are only permissible “in respect of deaths resulting from lawful acts of war”.

Further, the imposition of the death penalty —while prohibited in some areas of the world—is not yet universally considered a violation of the right to life, provided that the crime is sufficiently serious, due process rights are respected, and the method of execution is not particularly cruel.

However, inherent in the right to life are both negative and positive obligations on the State.  That is, not only must States refrain from taking a life outside the circumstances described above, but they must also affirmatively act to protect against the loss of life.  Such positive obligations include: training State forces to use deadly force only when necessary, taking preventive measures in the face of known risk to life (for example, to prevent an anticipated massacre by guerrilla forces or to resolve a land dispute where an indigenous community’s survival depends on the land), implementing national legislation which helps curb loss of life (such as in the regulation of hospitals and medical professionals), investigating and punishing wrongful acts resulting in death, and taking responsibility for the wellbeing of persons in State custody.

Useful online sources on the right to life include the following:

• chapter 13 of Rhona K. M. Smith’s Textbook on International Human Rights , available on Google books
• the U.N. Human Rights Committee’s General Comments No. 6: The right to life and   No. 14: Nuclear weapons and the right to life
• the Council of Europe’s toolkit,  Right to Life
• reports and other documents drafted by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
• INTERIGHTS’ legal manual on  Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights
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Essay on Right To Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Right To Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Right To Life

Understanding right to life.

The ‘Right to Life’ means every person has the right to live. It is one of the most important rights. It says that nobody, including the government, can kill a person. This right is protected by laws in many countries.

Importance of Right to Life

The Right to Life is very important. It helps to protect people from harm. It also makes sure that people are treated fairly. This right is a basic human right. It means that everyone should be able to live a safe and healthy life.

Challenges to Right to Life

Sometimes, the Right to Life is not respected. There are places where people are killed because of their beliefs or who they are. This is not fair. It is important to fight against this and protect the Right to Life.

Protecting Right to Life

There are many ways to protect the Right to Life. Laws can be made to punish people who harm others. Also, people can speak out against violence and unfair treatment. Everyone can help to make sure the Right to Life is respected.

250 Words Essay on Right To Life

Understanding the right to life.

The ‘Right to Life’ is a basic human right. It means that every person has the right to live and to not have their life taken away by anyone. It is a right that is recognized by many international laws and agreements.

Importance of the Right to Life

This right is very important. It protects people from harm and violence, and ensures that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. It is the foundation for many other rights, like the right to freedom and the right to health. Without the right to life, these other rights would not exist.

Challenges to the Right to Life

Sadly, the right to life is not always respected. There are many situations where people’s lives are taken away unfairly. This can happen in wars, during crimes, or even by the state in the form of capital punishment. This is a big problem that needs to be addressed.

Protecting the Right to Life

There are many ways to protect the right to life. Laws can be made to punish those who take away someone’s life. Education can also help people understand the value of life and the importance of respecting others’ rights.

In conclusion, the right to life is a fundamental human right that should be respected and protected. It is the basis for all other rights and is essential for a just and humane society.

500 Words Essay on Right To Life

The meaning of right to life.

The “Right to Life” is a principle that all humans should have the chance to live and not have their life taken away by others. This means that every person, no matter who they are or where they come from, should be allowed to live their life without fear of being harmed or killed. It is a basic human right that everyone deserves.

The Right to Life is very important because it is the foundation of all other rights. If a person does not have the right to live, then they cannot enjoy any other rights, like the right to speak freely or the right to learn. Without the right to life, all other rights are meaningless. This is why it is so important to protect and respect the right to life of every person.

Threats to Right to Life

Sadly, there are many threats to the Right to Life around the world. These threats can come in many forms, such as war, violence, poverty, and disease. Many people live in fear for their lives because of these threats. It is the responsibility of governments and societies to protect people from these threats and ensure that everyone can enjoy their right to life.

Protecting the Right to Life is a big task, but there are many ways that it can be done. One way is through laws that protect people from harm and violence. Another way is through social programs that help people who are poor or sick. Education is another important tool for protecting the right to life, as it helps people understand their rights and how to protect them.

Role of Individuals

Every person can play a role in protecting the Right to Life. We can do this by treating others with kindness and respect, and by standing up against violence and injustice. We can also help by supporting organizations that work to protect the right to life, and by educating ourselves and others about this important right.

In conclusion, the Right to Life is a fundamental human right that everyone deserves. It is the foundation of all other rights, and it is threatened by many things in our world. However, by working together and taking action, we can protect this right and ensure that everyone has the chance to live a safe and happy life.

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What are Morals and Ethics?

This essay about the intertwined nature of ethics and morality, exploring how they shape human behavior and guide decision-making. It discusses morality as the foundation of cultural values and personal convictions, while ethics provides a framework for rational analysis and ethical decision-making. The essay emphasizes the dynamic nature of ethics and morality, highlighting their evolution over time in response to societal changes and ethical dilemmas. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of ethics and morality in fostering a just and compassionate society.

How it works

In the intricate tapestry of human behavior, ethics and morality stand as pillars, shaping our actions and molding our character. These intertwined concepts serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path of right and wrong in the labyrinth of life.

Morality, like a silent guardian, whispers the values and norms that underpin our existence. It’s the invisible thread that weaves through cultural tapestries, stitching together a shared sense of rightness and wrongness. Whether rooted in religion, tradition, or personal conviction, morality paints the landscape of human conscience, directing our moral compass towards virtuous deeds and away from moral pitfalls.

Ethics, akin to a master craftsman, hones the tools of rationality and critical thinking to sculpt moral dilemmas into reasoned decisions. It’s the philosopher’s playground, where theories clash and principles meld, seeking to distill the essence of ethical conduct. From the utilitarian calculus of maximizing happiness to the categorical imperatives of duty-bound morality, ethical frameworks provide the scaffolding upon which moral judgments are constructed.

Yet, amidst the complexities of human existence, ethics and morality are not static monuments but living, breathing entities, shaped by the currents of time and circumstance. They evolve in tandem with societal progress, adapting to new technologies, cultural paradigms, and ethical quandaries. As humanity marches forward, so too do the contours of ethical inquiry, beckoning us to reevaluate our moral bearings and navigate the uncharted waters of ethical complexity.

In essence, ethics and morality are the guiding stars that illuminate the vast expanse of human behavior. While morality whispers the silent truths of our conscience, ethics provides the analytical tools to decipher its cryptic messages. Together, they form the bedrock of ethical conduct, forging a path towards a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world.

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Key facts about the abortion debate in America

The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade – the decision that had guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion for nearly 50 years – has shifted the legal battle over abortion to the states, with some prohibiting the procedure and others moving to safeguard it.

As the nation’s post-Roe chapter begins, here are key facts about Americans’ views on abortion, based on two Pew Research Center polls: one conducted from June 25-July 4 , just after this year’s high court ruling, and one conducted in March , before an earlier leaked draft of the opinion became public.

This analysis primarily draws from two Pew Research Center surveys, one surveying 10,441 U.S. adults conducted March 7-13, 2022, and another surveying 6,174 U.S. adults conducted June 27-July 4, 2022. Here are the questions used for the March survey , along with responses, and the questions used for the survey from June and July , along with responses.

Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories.  Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

A majority of the U.S. public disapproves of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe. About six-in-ten adults (57%) disapprove of the court’s decision that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion and that abortion laws can be set by states, including 43% who strongly disapprove, according to the summer survey. About four-in-ten (41%) approve, including 25% who strongly approve.

About eight-in-ten Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (82%) disapprove of the court’s decision, including nearly two-thirds (66%) who strongly disapprove. Most Republicans and GOP leaners (70%) approve , including 48% who strongly approve.

Most women (62%) disapprove of the decision to end the federal right to an abortion. More than twice as many women strongly disapprove of the court’s decision (47%) as strongly approve of it (21%). Opinion among men is more divided: 52% disapprove (37% strongly), while 47% approve (28% strongly).

About six-in-ten Americans (62%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to the summer survey – little changed since the March survey conducted just before the ruling. That includes 29% of Americans who say it should be legal in all cases and 33% who say it should be legal in most cases. About a third of U.S. adults (36%) say abortion should be illegal in all (8%) or most (28%) cases.

Generally, Americans’ views of whether abortion should be legal remained relatively unchanged in the past few years , though support fluctuated somewhat in previous decades.

Relatively few Americans take an absolutist view on the legality of abortion – either supporting or opposing it at all times, regardless of circumstances. The March survey found that support or opposition to abortion varies substantially depending on such circumstances as when an abortion takes place during a pregnancy, whether the pregnancy is life-threatening or whether a baby would have severe health problems.

While Republicans’ and Democrats’ views on the legality of abortion have long differed, the 46 percentage point partisan gap today is considerably larger than it was in the recent past, according to the survey conducted after the court’s ruling. The wider gap has been largely driven by Democrats: Today, 84% of Democrats say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, up from 72% in 2016 and 63% in 2007. Republicans’ views have shown far less change over time: Currently, 38% of Republicans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, nearly identical to the 39% who said this in 2007.

However, the partisan divisions over whether abortion should generally be legal tell only part of the story. According to the March survey, sizable shares of Democrats favor restrictions on abortion under certain circumstances, while majorities of Republicans favor abortion being legal in some situations , such as in cases of rape or when the pregnancy is life-threatening.

There are wide religious divides in views of whether abortion should be legal , the summer survey found. An overwhelming share of religiously unaffiliated adults (83%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, as do six-in-ten Catholics. Protestants are divided in their views: 48% say it should be legal in all or most cases, while 50% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. Majorities of Black Protestants (71%) and White non-evangelical Protestants (61%) take the position that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while about three-quarters of White evangelicals (73%) say it should be illegal in all (20%) or most cases (53%).

In the March survey, 72% of White evangelicals said that the statement “human life begins at conception, so a fetus is a person with rights” reflected their views extremely or very well . That’s much greater than the share of White non-evangelical Protestants (32%), Black Protestants (38%) and Catholics (44%) who said the same. Overall, 38% of Americans said that statement matched their views extremely or very well.

Catholics, meanwhile, are divided along religious and political lines in their attitudes about abortion, according to the same survey. Catholics who attend Mass regularly are among the country’s strongest opponents of abortion being legal, and they are also more likely than those who attend less frequently to believe that life begins at conception and that a fetus has rights. Catholic Republicans, meanwhile, are far more conservative on a range of abortion questions than are Catholic Democrats.

Women (66%) are more likely than men (57%) to say abortion should be legal in most or all cases, according to the survey conducted after the court’s ruling.

More than half of U.S. adults – including 60% of women and 51% of men – said in March that women should have a greater say than men in setting abortion policy . Just 3% of U.S. adults said men should have more influence over abortion policy than women, with the remainder (39%) saying women and men should have equal say.

The March survey also found that by some measures, women report being closer to the abortion issue than men . For example, women were more likely than men to say they had given “a lot” of thought to issues around abortion prior to taking the survey (40% vs. 30%). They were also considerably more likely than men to say they personally knew someone (such as a close friend, family member or themselves) who had had an abortion (66% vs. 51%) – a gender gap that was evident across age groups, political parties and religious groups.

Relatively few Americans view the morality of abortion in stark terms , the March survey found. Overall, just 7% of all U.S. adults say having an abortion is morally acceptable in all cases, and 13% say it is morally wrong in all cases. A third say that having an abortion is morally wrong in most cases, while about a quarter (24%) say it is morally acceptable in most cases. An additional 21% do not consider having an abortion a moral issue.

Among Republicans, most (68%) say that having an abortion is morally wrong either in most (48%) or all cases (20%). Only about three-in-ten Democrats (29%) hold a similar view. Instead, about four-in-ten Democrats say having an abortion is morally  acceptable  in most (32%) or all (11%) cases, while an additional 28% say it is not a moral issue. 

White evangelical Protestants overwhelmingly say having an abortion is morally wrong in most (51%) or all cases (30%). A slim majority of Catholics (53%) also view having an abortion as morally wrong, but many also say it is morally acceptable in most (24%) or all cases (4%), or that it is not a moral issue (17%). Among religiously unaffiliated Americans, about three-quarters see having an abortion as morally acceptable (45%) or not a moral issue (32%).

• Religion & Abortion

What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in europe, nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, by more than two-to-one, americans say medication abortion should be legal in their state, most latinos say democrats care about them and work hard for their vote, far fewer say so of gop, most popular.

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4 The Right to Life in Times of War or Armed Conflict

• Published: August 2010
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This chapter focuses on the taking of human life during times of armed conflict and considers three main issues: the application of the right to life during armed conflict; the right to life under international humanitarian law; and the ethics of killing in war. It is argued that human rights law should continue to apply during times of conflict, although it was recognized that in practice the issue of jurisdiction causes considerable difficulties in its application. Assuming that jurisdictional issues can be overcome, a death in wartime will not violate the right to life if it is in accordance with the rules of international humanitarian law. Proportionality and military necessity are the key restraining factors upon legitimized state killing during armed conflict, and these considerations fit well with the prohibition of arbitrary deaths under human rights law.

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6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When

• Rebecca Knight

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different approaches.

Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances — be it a change in setting, a shift in organizational dynamics, or a turn in the business cycle. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style — let alone more than one? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate, and direct your team.

Much has been written about common leadership styles and how to identify the right style for you, whether it’s transactional or transformational, bureaucratic or laissez-faire. But according to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist best known for his work on emotional intelligence, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.”

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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