What is the essence of international human rights as defined in foundational documents?

The essence of international human rights, as defined in foundational documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes that these rights are universal and applicable to all human beings, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or any other status. This universality is a core principle in the field of human rights, asserting that every individual is entitled to specific fundamental rights and freedoms simply by being human.

These documents are predicated on the belief that human rights are inherent and inalienable, meaning they cannot be granted or taken away by governments or states. This gives rise to the global human rights framework, which aims to protect individuals from abuses and to promote dignity, equality, and justice for everyone.

In contrast, the other options present notions that do not align with the universal premise of human rights. The idea that rights vary from country to country undermines the core principle of universality, as does the assertion that rights are solely granted by individual governments. Additionally, limiting rights to wartime scenarios disregards the overarching goal of protecting human dignity at all times, not just during conflicts. Thus, the correct answer underscores the fundamental belief that all human beings possess certain inalienable rights simply by virtue of being human.