The notion of human rights seems either too awkward to be discussed, or -- where such rights are not observed --too remote to be useful. There is a strange necessity to continually redefine the sequence of the priorities taken as "human/civic rights" and their value. Owing to the actual, rather problematic economic, cultural and informational globalization the complex of human rights can become a sensitive point of worldwide integration. If anything is a "right", it should not be very ennobling to have to strive for it. The contribution enumerates some major "human rights" and several hindrances preventing their realization. In the West four historical phases of welfare have prevented the worst social clashes. The Achilles' heel in evaluating "human rights" can surely be found in the insufficiently articulated responsibility for their both local and global fulfillment.