In the article the authors’ interpretation of social essence of fundamental («natural») human rights is being set forth. Such essence lies in their ability to satisfy fundamental needs of human being existence and development. Accordingly, the general notion of such rights is being defined as definite human being opportunities which are necessary for satisfying his existence and development needs in concrete historical conditions, are objectively stipulated by attained level of society development and are ensured by obligations of other subjects. That is why division human rights into physical (vital), personalistic, cultural, economic and political is appeared to be the most significant their classification (which is grounded on human needs).

Keywords: fundamental human rights, essence of human rights, classification of fundamental human rights