How does Henkin characterize the foundation of human rights?

Henkin characterizes the foundation of human rights as lacking an agreed-upon philosophical basis, underscoring the complexity and diversity of perspectives on what constitutes human rights. This perspective highlights the debates and disagreements surrounding the origins, definitions, and scopes of human rights across different cultures and philosophies. Rather than aligning with a singular philosophical or theological framework, Henkin acknowledges that human rights emerge from a multitude of sources, making a universal consensus challenging.

This characterization recognizes that while there might be areas of overlap in various philosophical traditions concerning human dignity and rights, there remains no single, universally accepted foundation that defines human rights unequivocally. The absence of a unified philosophical basis implies that human rights are interpreted and understood differently depending on cultural, social, and historical contexts. It emphasizes the ongoing dialogue and contention in international human rights discourse, reflecting the dynamic nature of how rights are perceived and implemented globally.