Human Rights Generations

Generations of Rights

• Human rights fall into two broad classes: first-generation rights (civil and political rights) and second-generation rights (social and economic features of life).
• First-generation rights include the rights to life, dignity, equality, and privacy, as well as freedoms associated with democracy.
• Second-generation rights include access to food, water, housing, healthcare, social security, education, and special rights of children.

Right to Equality - Section 9

• Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
• Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.
• Measures may be taken to protect or advance persons or categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.
• The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on grounds including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, and birth.
• No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on these grounds.

Right to Human Dignity - Section 10

• Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.

Right to Freedom of Conscience, Religion, Belief, and Opinion - Section 15

• Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion.
• Religious observances may be conducted at state or state-aided institutions, provided that they follow rules made by the appropriate public authorities, are conducted on an equitable basis, and attendance is free and voluntary.

Right to Freedom of Expression - Section 16

• Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media, freedom to receive or impart information or ideas, freedom of artistic creativity, and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.
• This right does not extend to propaganda for war, incitement of imminent violence, or advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, and that constitutes incitement to cause harm.

Labour Relations - Section 23

• Everyone has the right to fair labour practices.
• Every worker has the right to form and join a trade union, participate in trade union activities, and strike.

Children's Rights - Section 28

• Every child has the right to a name and nationality from birth, family care or parental care, basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services, and social services.
• A child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.

Right to a Basic Education - Section 29

• Everyone has the right to a basic education, including adult basic education.
• The state must make further education progressively available and accessible.
• Everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice in public educational institutions where that education is reasonably practicable.
• Independent educational institutions may be established and maintained, provided they do not discriminate on the basis of race, are registered with the state, and maintain standards that are not inferior to those at comparable public educational institutions.