Table of Contents

Unit Seven: Human Rights

Lesson 1: Are We Aware of These Rights-I?

A. Warm-Up Activity

Look at the Pictures Below
- What is happening in each picture? What is common in the pictures?
Human Rights Violations Paragraph
- If these are human rights violations, write a paragraph on what you mean by human rights.

Answer:

What is happening in each picture? What is common in the pictures?

Picture Analysis:
- Picture 1: The scene depicts an army forcefully using rifles against women and children, indicating a violent and oppressive act against innocent civilians.
- Picture 2: The scene shows an army using rifles against men, suggesting a similar pattern of violence and suppression directed at another group of people.
- Picture 3: The scene depicts a situation where people are being denied their freedom of speech, showing a suppression of their right to express their opinions freely.
Common Theme:
- The common theme in these pictures is the abuse and violation of fundamental human rights. Each picture illustrates different forms of oppression and violence: the first two depict physical violence against individuals based on their gender or age, while the third shows the denial of freedom of expression. All these situations reflect severe infringements on human rights, highlighting a broader issue of human rights violations where individuals or groups are unjustly targeted and denied their basic freedoms and protections.

Human Rights Violations Paragraph

If these are human rights violations, write a paragraph on what you mean by human rights.

Human Rights Paragraph:
- Human rights are fundamental freedoms and protections that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their background, nationality, or identity. These rights are based on principles of dignity, equality, and respect, and they include the right to life, freedom of expression, and protection from discrimination and abuse. When human rights are violated, individuals or groups are denied these essential freedoms and protections, leading to suffering, injustice, and inequality. Recognizing and addressing such violations is crucial for ensuring that all people can live with dignity and enjoy their basic rights. Human rights violations can manifest in various forms, such as physical abuse, unjust imprisonment, or systemic discrimination, and they undermine the core values of a just and equitable society.

B. Group Work

Discussion on Beliefs
- Some of your friends do not agree with you on certain issues. They have their own beliefs but they are few in number. Will you impose your own beliefs on them? Why/Why not?
Reaction to Criticism
- Some people tell you that they do not like what you are doing. Will you force them to keep silent as you are very powerful? Why/Why not?
Domination Based on Gender, Race, or Cultural Identity
- Some people dominate others who belong to different gender or race or cultural identity. Do you support them? Why/Why not?

Answer:

Discussion on Beliefs

Some of your friends do not agree with you on certain issues. They have their own beliefs but they are few in number. Will you impose your own beliefs on them? Why/Why not?

Answer:
- No, I would not impose my beliefs on my friends. Respecting others’ beliefs and opinions is crucial in a diverse society. Even if they are few in number, everyone has the right to hold and express their own views. Imposing my beliefs on them would undermine their autonomy and create unnecessary conflict. Instead, I would seek to understand their perspective and engage in respectful dialogue, aiming for mutual understanding rather than trying to enforce my own views.

Reaction to Criticism

Some people tell you that they do not like what you are doing. Will you force them to keep silent as you are very powerful? Why/Why not?

Answer:
- No, I would not use my power to force them to keep silent. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and everyone has the right to voice their opinions, even if they are critical. Using power to silence others is not only unethical but also detrimental to open and constructive dialogue. Instead, I would address their concerns, listen to their feedback, and consider their viewpoints, while maintaining my own stance respectfully.

Domination Based on Gender, Race, or Cultural Identity

Some people dominate others who belong to different gender or race or cultural identity. Do you support them? Why/Why not?

Answer:
- No, I do not support domination based on gender, race, or cultural identity. Such domination is a form of discrimination and violates fundamental human rights principles of equality and respect. Supporting or condoning such behavior perpetuates injustice and inequality. Instead, I advocate for equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or cultural identity. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have their rights protected.

C. Answer the Following Questions

Bangla Equivalent of Human Rights
- What is the equivalent expression for Human Rights in Bangla?
Relation of Terms to Human Rights
- How are the following words related to human rights?
  - Freedom of speech
  - Freedom of belief
  - Freedom of the press
  - Right to education
  - Right to food
  - Right to safe shelter
  - Social activism
  - Protection against abuse
  - Violation of privacy
Rights of Men, Women, and Children
- Do you know what rights men, women, and children have as human beings? Make a list. If you don’t know, imagine what the rights may include. For example: A human being has the right to express his or her opinion freely and without any fear.

Answer:

Bangla Equivalent of Human Rights

The Bangla equivalent for “Human Rights” is “মানবাধিকার” (Mānabādhikār).

Relation of Terms to Human Rights

Freedom of Speech: This refers to the right to express one’s opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. It is a fundamental human right that supports open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.
Freedom of Belief: This is the right to hold and practice any religion or belief system without coercion or discrimination. It ensures individuals can follow their own spiritual or philosophical convictions.
Freedom of the Press: This is the right for media to operate freely, report news, and express opinions without undue government interference or censorship. It is crucial for a democratic society and transparency.
Right to Education: This guarantees access to education for all individuals, regardless of their background. It is essential for personal development and empowerment, and for fostering a knowledgeable society.
Right to Food: This ensures that every individual has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life. It is a fundamental right necessary for physical and mental well-being.
Right to Safe Shelter: This provides the right to access safe and secure housing. It is vital for protection, security, and a basic standard of living.
Social Activism: This refers to efforts and activities aimed at promoting social change and addressing injustices. It often involves advocating for human rights and social equity.
Protection Against Abuse: This involves safeguarding individuals from physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It is crucial for maintaining dignity and safety in all aspects of life.
Violation of Privacy: This occurs when an individual’s personal information or activities are accessed or disclosed without consent. Protecting privacy is essential for maintaining personal security and freedom.

Rights of Men, Women, and Children

Rights of Men, Women, and Children:
- Right to Life: Every individual has the fundamental right to live and be protected from harm or death.
- Right to Freedom of Expression: Everyone can express their thoughts and opinions freely without fear of repression.
- Right to Education: All individuals have the right to access education and gain knowledge and skills.
- Right to Work: Everyone has the right to pursue employment and fair working conditions.
- Right to Health: Access to healthcare and the right to live in good health is essential for all.
- Right to Safety and Security: Protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation is a fundamental right.
- Right to Equality: All individuals are entitled to be treated equally without discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
- Right to Privacy: Protection of personal information and freedom from unwarranted intrusion into one’s personal life.
- Right to Freedom of Belief and Religion: Everyone has the right to follow and practice their religion or beliefs freely.
- Right to a Fair Trial: Access to justice and fair legal proceedings is crucial for protecting rights and liberties.

D. Fill in the Gaps in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 1
- All human beings are born free and equal … dignity and rights. They … endowed … reason … conscience and … act towards one … in the spirit …
Article 2
- Everyone is entitled to … the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration … distinction of any kind, such … race, colour, sex, language, religion, political … other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or … status. Furthermore, no distinction … be made on the basis … the political, jurisdictional or international status … the country or territory to which … person belongs.
Article 3
- Everyone has the right … life, liberty and security of person.

Answer:

Article 1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs.

Article 3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

E. Match the Texts in Column A with Column B

Column A
- a. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude;
- b. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
- c. Everyone has the right to recognition as a person before the law.
- d. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
- e. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
- f. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
- g. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own, and to return to his country.
- h. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
- i. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Column B
- i. Slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
- ii. Compelled to belong to an association.
- iii. Own, and to return to his country.
- iv. Entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
- v. To arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
- vi. Or degrading treatment or punishment.
- vii. As a person before the law.
- viii. Assembly and association.
- ix. Within the borders of each state.

Answer:

a. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude;
i. Slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
b. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
vi. Or degrading treatment or punishment.
c. Everyone has the right to recognition as a person before the law.
vii. As a person before the law.
d. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
iv. Entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
e. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
v. To arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
f. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
ix. Within the borders of each state.
g. Everyone has the right to leave any country including his own, and to return to his country.
iii. Own, and to return to his country.
h. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
viii. Assembly and association.
i. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
ii. Compelled to belong to an association.

5.1 Work with a friend and check your answers.

5.2 Discuss whether these declarations are essentials for human beings or not.

5.3 Write your arguments in favour of or against these declarations.

Answer:

5.1 Work with a Friend and Check Your Answers

Answer:
- Collaborate with a friend to review and verify the matching of the texts from Column A to Column B. Ensure that each statement is correctly paired with its corresponding explanation or elaboration from the other column. This exercise helps to confirm the accuracy of your answers and reinforces understanding of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

5.2 Discuss Whether These Declarations Are Essentials for Human Beings or Not

Answer:
- These declarations are indeed essential for human beings. They lay the foundation for a just and equitable society by establishing fundamental rights and protections for all individuals. Each declaration addresses a critical aspect of human dignity and freedom, such as the prohibition of slavery, protection from torture, the right to legal recognition, and freedom of movement and association. Without these rights, individuals could face oppression, discrimination, and abuse. These declarations ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, equality, and security, which are fundamental to personal and societal well-being.

5.3 Write Your Arguments in Favour of or Against These Declarations

In Favor:
- Human Dignity and Equality: The declarations protect human dignity and promote equality by prohibiting practices such as slavery and torture. This ensures that all individuals are treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their background.
- Protection from Abuse: By safeguarding against arbitrary arrest, detention, and exile, these declarations prevent the misuse of power and protect individuals from unjust treatment. This is crucial for maintaining personal security and freedom.
- Rights to Freedom: The rights to freedom of movement, assembly, and association are essential for personal autonomy and the ability to participate in societal and political processes. These freedoms are foundational to democratic societies and the ability to advocate for one’s own interests.
- Legal Protection: Recognition as a person before the law and equal protection under the law are vital for ensuring justice and accountability. These provisions help to prevent discrimination and ensure that everyone has access to legal recourse and protection.
Against:
- Implementation Challenges: While these declarations are fundamental, their implementation can be challenging in practice. There may be issues with enforcement, especially in countries with weak legal systems or where human rights abuses are prevalent.
- Cultural and Social Differences: In some cases, cultural or social norms may conflict with certain rights outlined in the declarations. Balancing universal human rights with respect for cultural diversity can be complex and may require careful consideration and dialogue.

Overall, the declarations are essential for promoting and protecting human rights, but their effectiveness depends on how well they are implemented and respected across different societies.

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