Abstract

The article argues that human rights concept is problematic for systems theory since it focuses on functional differentiation of structures, while human rights cannot be conceived exclusively either as juridical, political or moral elements. I argue that human rights are multifunctional structures. This argument is developed by reconstructing the theorical reflections about human rights on systems theory. Finally, I'll argue that human rights work not only as normative expectations that restrain State action by means of individual liberties, but they also legitimate political intervention in non-political areas to guarantee social rights.