In recent times, apart from the generally accepted political and civil rights, people are making new demands for rights that reflect contemporary concerns and needs.

First, there is a growing demand for environmental rights. The need to protect the natural environment has generated demands for rights to clean air, water, and sustainable development. These rights are essential for ensuring a healthy and dignified life for all citizens.

Second, there are claims regarding the rights of tribal peoples to protect their habitat and way of life. These claims express a sense of moral outrage about infringements of people's dignity and act as a rallying call to extend rights to all human beings, including previously excluded groups.

Third, there is a new awareness about the rights of vulnerable groups, especially children. This has led to demands for rights of children against exploitation such as bonded labour, and the right to livelihood. Rights may be claimed not only for adult human beings but also for children and even unborn foetuses.

Fourth, democracies are increasingly recognising cultural claims of citizens. The right to have primary education in one's mother tongue and the right to establish institutions for teaching one's language and culture are being recognised as necessary for leading a good life.

These new rights claims show that rights have steadily been expanded and reinterpreted to reflect our contemporary understanding of what it means to lead a life of dignity and respect.