Definitions Freedoms – privileges that are so basic they cannot be

restricted by laws of the governments (e.g. religion)

Rights – granted and guaranteed by government. There are

limits (e.g. right to live where you want but cannot deprive

another person of their home)

Duties – obligations in exchange for rights (e.g. right to job,

duty to pay taxes)

Responsibilities – go beyond duties to show behavior that

respects the rights of others (e.g. freedom of speech means you

don’t threaten other people)

Cont.

Human Rights

so basic they belong to all humans

Civil Rights

rights granted by the government

Bill of Rights – prior to 1960 your rights were

protected by common law, but the Bill of Rights

created statutes to protect your rights

Charter of Rights and Freedoms – in 1982 we

strengthened the Bill of Rights to make it harder to

amend; the Charter was entrenched in the

Constitution.

Rights include Fundamental freedoms (freedom of speech,

religion, association) Democratic rights (right to vote, participate in

government) Mobility rights (move from province to province

– able to work) Legal rights (free from torture, fair trial) Equality rights (everyone is equal under the

law) Language rights (right to speak and education) Enforcement (if the government or others

violate your rights)

The struggle for human rights is very complex, involving many countries and many people. Examples of human rights issues are apartheid and the rights of children. As a result, several government and non-government (NGO) organizations have been working toward eliminating global human rights violations

December 1948 passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (members are not legally bound to follow the declaration, however this is the set standard)

Major Points no torture/cruel inhumane punishment all people equal before the law right to fair, public and impartial hearing right to life, liberty, security no slavery right to leave and return to any country right to a nationality right to marry and raise a family right to peaceful assembly/association right to work and protection against unemployment right to an education (elementary should be free and parents have right to

choose

refuse trade sanctions (penalties) sever diplomatic relations publicly criticize accept refugees give food/assistance to victims tie trade and aid to human rights acceptance

These groups are neutral since they are not connected with any particular government. This neutrality allows them to have influence that government organizations (like UN) cannot have.

The principals and structure allows them to visit prisoners of war (ensuring they are being treated fairly and report to families about their welfare), and provide emergency aid when earthquakes, floods, or famine strikes

Fundamental Principals Humanity (ensure health and respect for all humans) Impartiality (cannot make any discrimination – relieve suffering based solely

on needs) Neutrality and Independence (does not take sides in a conflict) Voluntary (not prompted for any desire for personal gain) Unity (only one society in any country open to anyone in order to promote

unity) Universality (all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities)

Works to promote the human rights enshrined in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights

Works to free prisoners due to beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language

or religion

Anyone helped by Amnesty must not have urged or used violence

Works to abolish death penalty, torture, cruel treatment of prisoners,

political killings and “disappearances”

Activities range from public demonstrations to letter writing, from

human rights education to fundraising concerts