These two complicated terms of utmost significance to our judicial system are, at times, tough to distinguish. Let us begin with a simple understanding first. In the Western belief system, human rights are given when one is born, without any conditions. In Contrast, civil rights come in different kinds with numerous variables. 

Civil rights are legitimized by particular authorities for their subjects, but human rights are universal for everybody and may be a bit ambiguous.

Human Rights

It is often said that it was due to the events of World War II, in 1948, that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. In order to avert any possibilities of atrocities such as those done by the Third Reich taking place once more. The Declaration includes quite a few statements, for instance, rights to live, work, have food, and education. Since then, those are considered to be inalienable for any human being.

Civil Rights

The second kind of rights functions in close relation to the social institutes on public, political, and economic levels. These rights are given by national social institutes and are meant to protect them from the potentially undesirable influence that these institutes may have on individuals. Therefore, it is an inner mechanism of modern national states, a crucial part of notorious checks and balances.

Resemblance and Contrast between the two

By definition, regardless of whether civil or human, the rights are designed to restrain discrimination and prompt freedoms. Although, it is fair to point out that these statements generally refer only to certain groups of individuals, so-called classes.

Since they are of the same purpose, inherently, it is frequently the case that Civil Rights echo Human Rights. For instance, if your national authorities do not provide you with the right to work, it is usually a violation of both Civil and Human Rights.

It is also common for national governments to decide to set certain Human Rights as Civil Rights in the country. The reason for what may appear as overkill is that this way, they are believed to somehow be more reliable.

To comprehend another distinguishing feature of the two, take into consideration the following.

In the Western World, not one authority can withdraw Human Rights, but the states are free to provide and take back any Civil Rights according to national laws. 

As a matter of fact, Civil Rights are thought to be closer to privileges for certain groups of people.

To sum up, as a consequence of certain events of the 20th century, Human Rights are now a natural feature given to all of us, while Civil Rights are really influenced by the country’s regime and historical context.