Human Rights: Are We Aware of These Rights – II?
A. Warm-up Activity:
Pick up the day’s newspaper/s and find out stories about violation of human rights (rights of children, women, the disadvantaged, ethnic minorities etc.) and match them with the human right charters of the previous lesson. Then summarize them in a paragraph.
Answer:
In the article titled “Address, not dismiss, human rights violations” published by The Daily Star, the Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) reported an alarming increase in human rights violations in Bangladesh in the first half of 2024. This report highlights several disturbing trends, including a significant rise in political violence, custodial deaths, and attacks on women, children, and minorities. For example, over 250 women were raped, 631 children suffered from killings and torture, and 21 temples along with 25 Hindu homes were vandalized. The ASK report reveals the lack of accountability for law enforcement and government institutions, which has led to widespread impunity.
Summary: The human rights situation in Bangladesh is deteriorating, with increases in political violence, custodial deaths, and the abuse of women and children. The rights to privacy, freedom of religion, nationality, and protection from violence are under threat. Immediate action and accountability from the government are crucial to address these violations.9
B. Read the following texts which are some of the articles of the Declarations of
Human Rights.
Article 12:
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home, or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 14:
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
Article 15:
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16:
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality, or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 18:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.
Article 19:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference.
Article 20:
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21:
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
C. Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| a. asylum | i. conducting of legal proceedings against someone |
| b. arbitrarily | ii. the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, body etc. |
| c. prosecution | iii. an inner feeling or voice which directs one’s behaviour |
| d. dissolution | iv. protection granted by a nation to someone who has left his or her native country as a political refugee |
| e. conscience | v. clear or obvious to the eye or mind |
| f. manifest | vi. authentic |
| g. genuine | vii. the right to vote in political election |
| h. suffrage | viii. determined by chance, whim or impulse and not by reason or principle |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| a. asylum | iv. protection granted by a nation to someone who has left his or her native country as a political refugee |
| b. arbitrarily | viii. determined by chance, whim or impulse and not by reason or principle |
| c. prosecution | i. conducting of legal proceedings against someone |
| d. dissolution | ii. the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, body etc. |
| e. conscience | iii. an inner feeling or voice which directs one’s behavior |
| f. manifest | v. clear or obvious to the eye or mind |
| g. genuine | vi. authentic |
| h. suffrage | vii. the right to vote in political election |
D. Refugees who have to leave their own countries for political, economic and
other reasons have to lose many of the rights above. The provision of which
articles above are denied to them?
Answer:
Refugees who leave their own countries for political, economic, and other reasons often face denial of several human rights. Based on the provided articles, the following rights are typically denied to refugees:
- Article 14: Right to seek asylum from persecution. Refugees often face difficulties in seeking asylum or may be denied protection.
- Article 15: Right to a nationality and the freedom to change it. Refugees may lose their nationality or face statelessness.
- Article 16: Right to marry freely and found a family. Refugees may struggle to exercise this right due to displacement and legal barriers.
- Article 21: Right to participate in government and access public services. Refugees may be excluded from participating in government or accessing public services in their host countries.
These articles reflect significant aspects of rights that refugees may struggle to access or enjoy fully.
E. Work in pairs and discuss what you understand by the terms ‘freedom of expression’ and ‘freedom of assembly’.
Answer:
Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Assembly are fundamental human rights that allow individuals to participate fully in democratic societies. Here’s a breakdown of each term:
Freedom of Expression
- Definition: This right allows individuals to freely express their opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retaliation. It includes the freedom to speak, write, publish, and disseminate information.
- Importance: It is essential for personal development, public debate, and the functioning of a democratic society. It enables people to voice dissent, advocate for change, and share diverse perspectives.
- Examples: Writing articles, giving speeches, participating in discussions, and posting on social media are all forms of exercising freedom of expression.
Freedom of Assembly
- Definition: This right allows individuals to gather in groups for peaceful purposes, such as protests, meetings, or demonstrations. It includes the right to form and join associations and organizations.
- Importance: It supports collective action and advocacy, enabling people to come together to address common issues, influence public policy, and promote social and political change.
- Examples: Organizing a protest march, attending a public rally, or forming a community group are ways to exercise freedom of assembly.
Discussion Points:
- Freedom of Expression ensures that individuals can share their views openly, contributing to a marketplace of ideas where opinions can be debated and discussed.
- Freedom of Assembly enables people to express their collective will and address issues of common concern through organized group activities.
- Both rights are interrelated; the ability to assemble often supports and enhances the exercise of free expression, and vice versa.
Understanding these rights is crucial for protecting democratic values and ensuring that individuals can participate fully in societal and political processes.
F. Write a paragraph on human rights violation around you.
In recent months, human rights violations have become increasingly evident in various parts of the world, including in our own community. Reports have highlighted a disturbing rise in police brutality, where individuals are subjected to unjust treatment and excessive force by law enforcement.
Additionally, there have been numerous instances of discrimination against minority groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, who face systemic prejudice and exclusion from basic services. The violation of workers’ rights is also a pressing concern, with many experiencing unsafe working conditions and unfair wages.
These violations undermine the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals, creating an environment of fear and injustice. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their human rights without fear of discrimination or abuse.
G. The chart below shows a certain human right violation in many countries. First identify what right is being violated and then interpret the chart in your own language.
Answer:
Human Right Violation: Child Labor
Interpretation:
The chart displays the percentage of children aged 5-17 who are part of the labor force in various regions of the world in the year 2017. This represents a clear violation of the right to education and the right to protection from child labor.
Key Observations:
- Regional Disparities: The percentage of child labor is significantly higher in developing regions compared to developed countries.
- Gender Differences: In most regions, boys have higher rates of child labor than girls, although the gap is narrowing in some areas.
- Highest Prevalence: The Middle East and North Africa, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, have the highest rates of child labor, particularly among boys.
- Least Developed Countries: Even in the Least Developed Countries category, there is a significant percentage of children involved in labor.
Implications of Child Labor:
- Education Disruption: Child labor often prevents children from attending school, hindering their education and future prospects.
- Health Risks: Children working in hazardous environments face serious health risks, including injuries, illnesses, and long-term disabilities.
- Exploitation: Children are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in the workplace, often working long hours for little or no pay.
- Poverty Perpetuation: Child labor can perpetuate cycles of poverty, as it prevents children from acquiring the skills and education needed to escape their circumstances.
Addressing Child Labor:
To address this human rights violation, it is crucial to implement comprehensive strategies that include:
- Education Promotion: Ensuring access to quality education for all children, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Labor Laws and Enforcement: Strengthening labor laws that protect children and enforcing them effectively.
- Poverty Reduction: Addressing underlying causes of poverty, such as inequality and lack of economic opportunities.
- Social Safety Nets: Providing social safety nets to support families and reduce their reliance on child labor.
- International Cooperation: Promoting international cooperation to combat child labor and support developing countries in their efforts.
By addressing these issues, we can work towards a world where every child can enjoy their right to education and protection from child labor.
Lesson 4 Scaling a Mountain Peak or Riding Your Dream?
Unit 3: Life Style : Lesson 1: Manners around the world
Lesson 1 -Unforgettable History
Unit 2: Lesson 1 What is a dream?
Unit Three: Lifestyle Lesson 4: Fitness
Lesson 1: The Storm and Stress of Adolescence
Lesson 2: Adolescence and Some (Related) Problems in Bangladesh
Lesson 3 : Why Does a Child Hate School?
Lesson 5: Say ‘No’ to Bullying
Lesson 1: Sheikh Kamal: Life of an Achiever
Lesson 2 Affectionate, Lively and Always Smiling Sheikh Kamal
Lesson 3 Brojen Das: On Conquering the English Channel
Lesson 5 The Unbeaten Girls from Kalsindur
Unit Six: Relationships Lesson 3 A Mother in Mannville
Unit Seven: Human Rights Lesson 1: Are We Aware of These Rights-I?