Understanding Human Rights

 Understanding Human Rights Human rights are for every human being. They shouldn't diff er because of one's race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or language; they shouldn't diff er because of where someone lives or how much money they make. If you're a living, breathing person, you hav...

 Understanding Human Rights Human rights are for every human being. They shouldn't diff er because of one's race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or language; they shouldn't diff er because of where someone lives or how much money they make. If you're a living, breathing person, you have a right to them. We often take these rights for granted but people are fighting for them every day. We're going to learn about them and, hopefully, come to appreciate them more. History of Human Rights Human rights have been an issue all over the world since the beginning of time. Throughout history, leaders of the world have made many promises of rights to their citizens. Currently, the model for human rights is a document called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR). Because of World War II, a bunch of world leaders came together in 1948 and created the UDHR. It describes 30 rules that are meant to guarantee human rights. Most countries today have signed the UDHR and agreed to give their citizens these rights.  Types of Human Rights Freedom The right to freedom is one of the most natural human rights that exist. We're all born as free and equal individuals, therefore we have the right to live as such. We also have the right to live in safety, without fearing for our life. Sadly, this is also a right that is commonly taken away, such as with slavery. Slavery strips a person of their right to freedom, safety, and the choice of how they live their life. When you're an adult, do you want someone telling you how to live your life? Equality Before the Law Everyone person has the right to be treated and viewed equally by the law. Equality before the law means every person has the right to be assumed innocent until proven guilty. This also means laws made to help people (such as getting help from your government for food or medical care), should include all people equally. Without this guarantee, a doctor could refuse to fi x your broken arm because you're African American, Asian, or Native American. Would that be okay? Other important rights: ❖ The freedom to travel within your country of birth and to seek safety in other countries. ❖ To get married as an adult and have children. ❖ You have the right to have a job, make enough money to live, and work a reasonable amount of hours. ❖ You have the right to a free and decent education, at least for the elementary years.