Throughout modern history, individuals and groups have struggled to have equal civil rights- this fight, which has spanned centuries, refers to civil rights history. Civil rights can include those freedoms that are political in nature, such as the right to vote and participate in elections. They may also refer to protection from discrimination and equal access to health care, education, and culture. Oftentimes, the majority population with withhold these rights and freedoms from racial or class-based minorities. Various human rights organizations have sprung up worldwide to ensure that all people enjoy basic freedoms.