HUMAN RIGHTS

SS1 CIVIC EDUCATION
2nd Term

HUMAN RIGHTS
Meaning: human rights are basic rights and privileges of citizens in a country enshrined in the constitution. Fundamental human rights are to be enjoyed by all human beings irrespective of their race, sex, age, language or geographical location. Human rights are categorized into: (1) Social rights e.g. right to freedom of association (2) political right e.g. right to vote and be voted fore (3) economic right e.g. right to personal property (4) Legal right e.g. right to fair hearing, legal representation, justice, equality before the law and right to sue.
History of human right and 1948 declaration of human rights: In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted by a committee headed by Franklin D. Roosevelt's widow, Eleanor, and including the French lawyer RenĂ© Cassin. The document proclaims basic civil, political, and economic rights common to all human beings. The Declaration serves as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations" rather than a legally binding document.
Limitations of human rights: (1) War: during war, most human rights are violated flagrantly. E.g. torture and killing violate rights to personal dignity and life. (2) state of emergency (3) When the security of the state is threatened, the government may declare curfew which in turn will limit the individual’s right to freedom of movement. (4) Emergency situations can make the government take emergency measures that might adversely affect the individual’s right (5) Breach of law: this incurs punishment on the offender and the punishment is itself a limitation to his human right. E.g. imprisonment is a limitation to the right to freedom of movement. (6) Threat to the health of the society: although a person has right to own a business, yet if the business poses a threat to the health of the society, then such business may be suspended.

No comments:

Post a Comment

MONARCHY

SS1 GOVERNMENT 2nd Term MONARCHY Definition : Monarchy is a type of government by one individual. This individual may be a king, quee...