Human rights are rights that all humans have, just by virtue of being human. Human rights documents and treaties guarantee us the right to live, freely and securely, without discrimination, and with the social and material goods required for a dignified human life. Human rights violations threaten and diminish us all.

Webster University's Center for the Study of Human Rights is dedicated to providing a curricular path to a greater understanding of international human rights standards and problems, and of institutions that try to foster adherence to those standards. The center helps prepare students for careers that further adherence to international human rights standards and for further education in the field. It seeks to support its local human rights community by sponsoring educational events, and maintains a resource center for faculty wishing to integrate human rights materials and themes in their courses.