The scope of Human Rights

In contrary to what some may believe, human rights (HR) don’t have absolute scope of applicability. Such notion is usually reserved for ideologies, like religion. However, it is true that HR gave us one of the best ethical frameworks so far. Yet, this framework is far from perfect. There are many imperfections within it’s definitions. That fact was well known among creators of the HR. For that reason they introduced, let me say, a “loophole”, which allows us to limit the exercise of HR, as described in Art. 29 of the UDHR: …

(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society….

Practically: Exercise of personal freedoms proclaimed by UDHR ends there, where the exercise itself starts to affect the rights of others in negative way. E.g. You publicly spread a disinformation which has a potential to harm the health and well-being of other people (Art. 25). In this case Article 19. (freedom of opinion and expression) UDHR don’t apply.