Human rights form the backbone of a just society, and their protection enables individuals and collectives to pursue their desired ends.  Yet human rights are too frequently disregarded or revoked when politically expedient or viewed as obstacles to political, environmental, and economic objectives. A just rule of law protects and enforces fundamental rights--the right to life and security of person; freedom of thought, religion, and expression; freedom of assembly and association; fundamental labor rights; the right to privacy; equal protection of the law; and due process of law.