Table of Contents

Rights to Health and Education

A. Discuss in small groups what each of you think the term Human Rights means. See if the points you come up with are similar to the ones described in the text below.

⊗ Answer:

⇒ Human Rights are fundamental freedoms and protections that every individual is entitled to, simply by virtue of being human. These rights are essential for maintaining human dignity and ensuring that everyone can live a life free from discrimination, oppression, and injustice. Here are some key aspects of what Human Rights generally mean:

Basic Freedoms: Human rights include the right to freedom of speech, expression, and religion, allowing individuals to express their beliefs and opinions without fear of retaliation.
Equality and Non-Discrimination: Everyone should be treated equally, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or any other status. Human rights promote fairness and oppose discrimination.
Right to Safety and Security: Individuals have the right to be free from violence, torture, and arbitrary detention. This includes protection against abuse and exploitation.
Access to Basic Needs: Human rights encompass the right to adequate food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, ensuring that individuals can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
Right to Education: Everyone has the right to education, which should be free and accessible, especially at the elementary and fundamental levels.
Right to Participate in Government: Individuals have the right to participate in their country’s government and decision-making processes, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.
Right to Privacy: Everyone has the right to privacy in their personal life, family, and correspondence, protected from arbitrary interference.

Discussing these points in small groups helps to compare personal understandings with the definitions provided in human rights texts and recognize the universal nature of these principles.

B. The following text has extracts from the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and are about health and education. Read them and say whether your
country has been able to comply with these declarations.

Article 25:
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and of one’s family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Your opinion: | I think my country has been able/not been able to comply with this because……….

(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Your opinion: | I think my country has been able/not been able to comply with this because……….

⊗ Answer:

Your opinion: I think my country has been able/not been able to comply with this because:

Reasons for being able: In my country, there are government programs aimed at providing basic necessities such as food, clothing, and medical care. Efforts are made to ensure that children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive necessary support and protection.
Reasons for not being able: Despite efforts, there are significant gaps in the provision of basic services. Many families, particularly in rural or impoverished areas, struggle with inadequate access to food, housing, and medical care. Special support for children and mothers may be inconsistent or insufficient.

Article 26:
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Your opinion: I think my country has been able/not been able to comply with this because:

Reasons for being able: The country provides free elementary education, and there are policies to ensure that all children receive basic schooling. There are also programs to make technical and professional education more accessible, and efforts are made to promote values of understanding and tolerance through the curriculum.
Reasons for not being able: While elementary education may be free and compulsory, access to quality education can be uneven, with disparities between urban and rural areas. Higher education may not be equally accessible due to financial constraints or lack of resources. There might also be challenges in fully implementing educational programs that foster respect for human rights and promote international understanding.

C. Log into http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ and find out:

a. How many articles are there in the declaration?
b. How many have not been mentioned here? Briefly discuss one of them.

⊗ Answer:

Here are the answers to the questions based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):

a. How many articles are there in the declaration?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights contains 30 articles.

b. How many have not been mentioned here? Briefly discuss one of them.

The articles not mentioned in your provided text are Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30.

Brief Discussion of Article 1:

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 a spirit of brotherhood.”Discussion: Article 1 establishes the foundational principle that all people are born with inherent dignity and equal rights. It emphasizes that every individual possesses the same fundamental rights and should be treated with respect and equality.
This article underscores the importance of mutual respect and solidarity among people, which is essential for the realization of all other human rights. It is a fundamental statement that sets the tone for the rest of the declaration, advocating for the universal equality and respect for all human beings.

D. Write an essay of 300 words using the answers to the following questions:

a. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
b. Which organization has formulated this declaration?
c. Why is this declaration made? What do you know about the intentions of the UN regarding the declaration?
d. Which are the most important declarations to you?
e. Did you know them beforehand?
f. How will the knowledge of this declaration help you as a citizen?

⊗ Answer:

a. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, it outlines fundamental human rights that should be universally protected. It consists of 30 articles covering a wide range of rights, including the right to life, liberty, and security, freedom from torture, the right to education, and the right to participate in government.

b. Which organization has formulated this declaration?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was formulated by the United Nations (UN). The drafting process was led by the UN’s Commission on Human Rights, with Eleanor Roosevelt playing a significant role as its chairperson. The Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly.

c. Why is this declaration made? What do you know about the intentions of the UN regarding the declaration?

The UDHR was created in response to the atrocities of World War II, with the aim of establishing a common standard for human rights to prevent such horrors in the future. The UN intended the Declaration to serve as a universal benchmark for the protection and promotion of human rights.

It seeks to ensure that all people, regardless of their background, can enjoy basic freedoms and protections. The Declaration reflects the UN’s commitment to fostering peace, justice, and respect for human dignity worldwide.

d. Which are the most important declarations to you?

The most important declarations to me include the right to life (Article 3), freedom of expression (Article 19), and the right to education (Article 26). These rights are fundamental as they underpin the ability to live a life of dignity, express oneself freely, and acquire knowledge, which are essential for personal and societal development.

e. Did you know them beforehand?

Before studying the UDHR in detail, I was aware of these rights in a general sense but did not fully understand their scope and significance as outlined in the Declaration.

f. How will the knowledge of this declaration help you as a citizen?

Understanding the UDHR helps me appreciate the universal standards of human rights and recognize when these rights are being violated. It empowers me to advocate for these rights and contribute to a more just and equitable society. As a citizen, this knowledge fosters a sense of responsibility to uphold and defend human rights both locally and globally.

Essay:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a pivotal document adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, that outlines fundamental human rights universally applicable to all people.

Formulated by the UN, specifically by its Commission on Human Rights led by Eleanor Roosevelt, the Declaration was a response to the atrocities of World War II. Its purpose is to establish a global standard for human rights protection and promote peace and justice worldwide.

The Declaration consists of 30 articles that cover a broad spectrum of rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and education. These rights are designed to ensure that all individuals can live with dignity and have the opportunity to develop their potential.

Among the most crucial declarations are the right to life (Article 3), which is essential for protecting individuals from arbitrary harm; freedom of expression (Article 19), which allows people to voice their opinions and ideas; and the right to education (Article 26), which is vital for personal and societal growth.

Before delving into the UDHR, I had a general understanding of these rights but lacked detailed knowledge of their comprehensive nature and importance. Familiarity with the UDHR enhances my awareness of these fundamental rights and helps me recognize and respond to human rights violations. As a citizen, this knowledge is empowering.

It enables me to advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights, contributing to the creation of a more just and equitable society. Understanding the UDHR fosters a commitment to uphold these universal principles and supports efforts to address injustices both locally and globally.

K. It is said that education makes an individual aware of his / her own rights and the rights of others. Do you think this has been the case with you? If not, why not?

⊗ Answer:

Education plays a crucial role in making individuals aware of their own rights and the rights of others. For me, education has indeed contributed significantly to this awareness in several ways:

Informed Understanding: Through formal education, I have learned about various human rights principles and laws, such as those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This knowledge has helped me understand the fundamental rights that every individual is entitled to and the importance of these rights in ensuring dignity and justice.

Critical Thinking: Education has encouraged me to think critically about social issues and injustices. It has provided me with the tools to analyze and question situations where rights are being violated, thus fostering a deeper awareness of both my rights and the rights of others.
Empowerment and Advocacy: By learning about human rights, I have become more empowered to advocate for myself and others. Education has equipped me with the understanding necessary to stand up against injustices and support the protection of human rights in my community.
Ethical Framework: Education has also helped me develop an ethical framework for understanding and respecting diversity. It has reinforced the value of treating others with dignity and fairness, regardless of differences.

However, there are instances where education alone may not be sufficient to fully understand or exercise these rights. For example, if educational resources are limited or if there is a lack of practical application of these principles in real-life situations, it can hinder one’s ability to fully grasp and act on this knowledge.

Overall, while education has significantly enhanced my awareness of human rights, continuous learning and practical experiences are essential to fully comprehend and effectively advocate for these rights.

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