Instructions: Read the following text, and then answer the questions. 

Fundamental Rights  

There are two main international documents that define fundamental rights. They are the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 

Fundamental rights are universal human rights. They apply to all human beings. They are legal guarantees that protect fundamental freedoms for individuals and groups of individuals. They help to ensure that all people are treated with human dignity. 

Generally speaking, there is no much difference between the two terms “fundamental rights” and “human rights”. Fundamental rights are protected by the laws of the state. Human rights are protected by international law. The two terms refer to the same rights. 

Some of the most important characteristics of human rights are: 

-        they are internationally guaranteed; 

-        they are legally protected; 

-        they focus on the dignity of the human being; 

-        they protect all individuals and groups; 

-        they are universal, interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.

Comprehension Questions (Choose the correct answer)

1. The main idea of this reading is ...