What is the obligation of the state to "protect" human rights?

The obligation of the state to "protect" human rights primarily involves refraining from actions that violate individual rights. This means that the state must respect and uphold human rights within its jurisdiction by not interfering in a way that infringes upon the freedoms and entitlements of individuals. This protection is a fundamental principle of human rights law, which requires states not only to avoid direct violations, such as torture or unlawful detention, but also to create an environment where human rights can be freely exercised without undue interference.

In contrast, while ensuring complete freedom might seem desirable, it doesn't encompass the specific responsibilities that states have to protect against violations. Providing active support for human rights education is indeed important but is more about promoting awareness and understanding rather than the direct obligation to protect rights. Finally, the creation of new rights is not typically within the scope of a state's obligation to protect existing rights. Instead, it is more about recognizing and upholding human rights that are already established in legal frameworks.