Meleagar, you said...
"rights exist independent of what men say, do or write"

Does this statement apply to the holy scriptures as well?
And does that mean that during the time when humans did not yet have the ability to write that they were still privvy to these same natural rights you speak of?

What if we could not even speak to each other, would these rights present themselves within our souls?

The only natural right I can describe is the freedom of action. We have the ability to act, and in any way we wish, wether 'good' or 'bad' is inconsiquential.
I know Mel, I'm evil.
Besides, how are humans expected to 'judge' wether these 'natural rights' have been abused if the system of 'natural rights' transcends man?

I will say that it is only natural that we strive for human 'rights' in our quest for longevity, but if you find your life ending in too short a manner how would a 'natural right' protect you?
Who would you lament to then? Who could enact justice to the circumstances that your life had been victimized by?

I believe it has been said here already, that unless one believes in a 'god' there is no source for 'natural rights' aside from that of the human imagination.