Rights
Everyone has human RIGHTS.
The GOVERNMENT creates laws to protect these rights.
We must be aware of our RESPONSIBILITIES, to ensure that all people can enjoy their human rights equally.
What are human rights?
A right is a moral entitlement to have or do something. A human right is a right that belongs to everyone.
Human rights have not always been guaranteed and, even today, many people have their human rights ignored and abused.
Why do we need human rights?
Human rights help to:
- protect people from harm and abuse by the government, public bodies and other groups
- protect people from discrimination by the government, public bodies and employers, so that everyone has equal opportunities
- protect the most vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly
- ensure that all laws the government passes meet international human rights standards
- safeguard the survival of individuals — everyone has the right to life
- ensure access to affordable housing, healthcare and education.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
Watch this video about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Find out more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Narrator:
The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights outlines your rights.
You enjoy these rights, whoever you are, whatever you do and wherever you are.
Let's look at the most important ones.
You have the right to life, liberty and security.
You should be able to live without violence or imprisonment.
You have the right to privacy. The government, corporations and other people cannot interfere with your family, mail, phone or digital communication.
You have a right to a say in government. When you turn 18, you'll be able to take part in local, regional and national elections.Until that time, you can take part in school politics through the school council.
You have the right to a decent job.
Work can be an expression of your ideals, your vision and your skills. You have a right to be paid and support your family. Doing meaningful work.
You have a right to good healthcare, a bout of the flu is not an attack on your human rights - being denied treatment is.
You have a right to education.
Freedom doesn't mean much if you don't have the tools to make the most of it, and education gives you what you need to build the life you want.
Sometimes it seems as if the world is falling apart around us, a place where human life is valued less and less - the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights reminds us of the world we want to live in.
It is up to each and every one of us to work towards that goal - support leaders who share it and reject those who don't.
Where do our human rights come from?
We are all born with human rights, but several important documents explain what they are and how they should be protected.
What protections does the UDHR provide?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most important document outlining human rights. It was agreed upon by the United Nations in 1948, as a response to the terrible events of the Second World War.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines the rights enjoyed by every human being regardless of gender, race, language, religion, politics or wealth.
It recognises and protects the right to:
- life, freedom and security
- justice
- own property
- have your own opinion about religion and politics
- say what you want
- associate with who you want
- marry who you want
- work where you want
- rest and relaxation
- education
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a law itself. It is a statement of the world’s commitment to human rights. Many of its articles have been included in the laws of countries around the world.
What are some of the most important articles within the UDHR?
Below are some of the most important articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Article 3: everyone has the right to life, liberty and security
Article 3 states that no one has the right to kill you. Consider what this might mean for issues such as The medical process of ending a pregnancy so it doesn't result in the birth of a baby. , The deliberate ending of someone’s life for compassionate reasons. and A form of punishment which involves a person being put to death for their crime. Also referred to as captial punishment..
Everyone has the right to freedom. No one can imprison you without a legal reason.
Everyone has the right to feel safe. You should expect not to be hurt, threatened or tortured.
Article 12: everyone has the right to privacy
Article 12 protects your right to privacy. The government, corporations and individuals cannot interfere with your family, mail, phone line, digital communication or your business premises.
There can be no arbitrary interference in your private life.
‘Arbitrary’ means without a good reason.
An invasion of your privacy may be possible for legal reasons, for example, if you are a suspect in a crime. If someone invades your privacy for personal reasons, you can take them to court.
Article 21: everyone has the right to a say in government
Article 21 guarantees your right to democratic representation, which means electing people to represent you in local, national and European government.
In Northern Ireland, people vote for local councillors, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Article 23: everyone has the right to a decent job
Article 23 guarantees your right to find work to support yourself and your family. It ensures that you are paid as much as anyone else doing the same work. This right is guaranteed in Northern Ireland by The Equal Pay Act 1970.
Article 25: everyone has the right to good health
Article 25 guarantees the right to health care. In Northern Ireland, this is provided for free by the NHS. Other countries have different systems and most of them are not free.
If a person is unemployed or seeks benefits in these countries, Article 25 ensures that the government will pay for their health care.
Article 26: everyone has the right to education
Article 26 ensures that all children have the right to a free primary education. Education is compulsory until the age of 16 in Northern Ireland.
The article also provides for specialist training, such as apprenticeships. Universities and colleges should be available for citizens to take part in education.
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