03
Human Rights & Duties
Introduction
Rights inherent to all human beings by birth without any discrimintion
can be called human rights. Accordingly, being aware of human rights;
accepting and respecting them; executing the duties related to human rights;
not only being in the formation of a democratic society the welfare of the
citizens but also the establishes peace and eqality in the society.
Hence, being aware of human rights and developing the skills of
implementing them practically in social life are essential to live in society as a
virtuous citizen. Studying this chapter thouroughly will be helpful for you to
develop the competencies in you.
Human Rights
Rights inherent to all human beings by birth can be called as 'human rights'.
Therefore, human rights accommodate living in the society as human beings with
dignity and equality.
Being human is the primary and sole requirement to be entitled to Human
Rights. We call this as humanity in common. Human Rights have become the
foundation protecting the dignity and the well being of human being. In a society
which obstructs the enjoyment of Human Rights, difficulties arise in the maintenance
of security and completion of human development. Accordingly, Human Rights are
essential to protect the dignity and existence of human life.
In addition to that, the concept of Human Rights is universal which is
based on equity and equality. Safeguarding democracy, upgrading the social
status of citizens, and the growth of social justice as well as equality are the main
components of a society where the rights are ensured.
For free distribution 45
, istance
Hu
E x
nD n al
ma ic, soci hts)
ma
(C
ign H u ig
ivi
Po ity m o lr
on ltura
l,
lit e c u
ica (
l dc
rig
hts)
Hum an
n
a
righ
ts
manity
General hu
Digram 3.1
Important historial events in relation to achieving Human Rights
Though every individual is entitled to enjoy Human Rights, man has undergone
several restrictions in different periods in the history when enjoying Human Rights.
The age of slavery and medieval eras provided many examples of this situation.
With the gradual development of human society, man has focused his
attention on his rights too. He had to fight against the rulers, struggle and enter into
treaties with them in order to acquire his rights. Some of those important historical
events of achievements of human rights are as follows.
Human Rights Charter
²² 1215 AD - Magna Carta Treaty of Britain
²² 1689 AD - British Bill of rights Act
46 For free distribution
, ²² 1776 AD - United States Declaration of Independence
²² 1789 AD - French Declaration of man and citizen
²² 1917 AD - Russian Revolution
Thus it is obvious that man demands rights mainly due to his desire to spend
a free and independent life. Therefore the process related to rights consists of two
main aspects.
Rights
Those who Those who are bound
demand for rights to give rights
Digram 3.2 : -The Process related to Rights
The First World War began in 1914 and continued up to 1918. Then two
decades later the Second World War began. It continued from 1939 to 1945. The
result of these wars was destructive.
Hundreds of thousands of people died. Another large number of people
became disabled. Millions of children and women became helpless. Destruction of
the property was immense. Therefore the world wars can be named as a situation
where human rights were severely violated.
Therefore the leaders of the world paid attention on maintaining world
peace, improving co-existence among nations and safeguarding human rights.
United Nations Organization was established in 1945 in order to full fill these
objectives. The organization paid great attention on safeguarding human rights.
As a result, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was passed in the General
Assembly on the 10th Of February 1948. It was an important step for safeguarding
human rights.
For free distribution 47
, Universal Declaration of Human Rights of UNO – Article 01
²² All human beings are born free
²² They are equal in terms of dignity and rights
²² They should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood
²² They are endowed with reason and conscience
This declaration has clearly mentioned the fact that all human beings should
be given rights on an equitable basis. It also emphasizes the duties to be fulfilled by
man while enjoying these rights.
It is the duty of all of us to accept the fact that all are equally entitled
to rights and our obligation is to enjoy these rights with responsibility and
understanding. Fulfilling duties while enjoying rights directly contributes to
social development. It ensures the existence of a democratic society. Therefore
it is essential in social life to have knowledge about rights and duties as well as
the way they are fulfilled.
United Nations General Assembly has made a request from school and
educational institutions to exhibit these rights in order to raise awareness among
people.
This request clearly indicates you, as students the importance of having
knowledge about human rights. This knowledge provides an opportunity for you
to spend a good life while enjoying rights. Performing one's duties related to rights
contributes to safeguard rights of the other members of the society. By doing that,
you can ensure the establishment of a democratic and peaceful society.
Activity 3.1
²² Prepare an article on the topic " the importance of raising awareness among
students about Human Rights", to be displayed on school wall paper.
²² Select some important historical events important for achieving Human
Rights and collect information about the rights achieved in those events.
48 For free distribution
Human Rights & Duties
Introduction
Rights inherent to all human beings by birth without any discrimintion
can be called human rights. Accordingly, being aware of human rights;
accepting and respecting them; executing the duties related to human rights;
not only being in the formation of a democratic society the welfare of the
citizens but also the establishes peace and eqality in the society.
Hence, being aware of human rights and developing the skills of
implementing them practically in social life are essential to live in society as a
virtuous citizen. Studying this chapter thouroughly will be helpful for you to
develop the competencies in you.
Human Rights
Rights inherent to all human beings by birth can be called as 'human rights'.
Therefore, human rights accommodate living in the society as human beings with
dignity and equality.
Being human is the primary and sole requirement to be entitled to Human
Rights. We call this as humanity in common. Human Rights have become the
foundation protecting the dignity and the well being of human being. In a society
which obstructs the enjoyment of Human Rights, difficulties arise in the maintenance
of security and completion of human development. Accordingly, Human Rights are
essential to protect the dignity and existence of human life.
In addition to that, the concept of Human Rights is universal which is
based on equity and equality. Safeguarding democracy, upgrading the social
status of citizens, and the growth of social justice as well as equality are the main
components of a society where the rights are ensured.
For free distribution 45
, istance
Hu
E x
nD n al
ma ic, soci hts)
ma
(C
ign H u ig
ivi
Po ity m o lr
on ltura
l,
lit e c u
ica (
l dc
rig
hts)
Hum an
n
a
righ
ts
manity
General hu
Digram 3.1
Important historial events in relation to achieving Human Rights
Though every individual is entitled to enjoy Human Rights, man has undergone
several restrictions in different periods in the history when enjoying Human Rights.
The age of slavery and medieval eras provided many examples of this situation.
With the gradual development of human society, man has focused his
attention on his rights too. He had to fight against the rulers, struggle and enter into
treaties with them in order to acquire his rights. Some of those important historical
events of achievements of human rights are as follows.
Human Rights Charter
²² 1215 AD - Magna Carta Treaty of Britain
²² 1689 AD - British Bill of rights Act
46 For free distribution
, ²² 1776 AD - United States Declaration of Independence
²² 1789 AD - French Declaration of man and citizen
²² 1917 AD - Russian Revolution
Thus it is obvious that man demands rights mainly due to his desire to spend
a free and independent life. Therefore the process related to rights consists of two
main aspects.
Rights
Those who Those who are bound
demand for rights to give rights
Digram 3.2 : -The Process related to Rights
The First World War began in 1914 and continued up to 1918. Then two
decades later the Second World War began. It continued from 1939 to 1945. The
result of these wars was destructive.
Hundreds of thousands of people died. Another large number of people
became disabled. Millions of children and women became helpless. Destruction of
the property was immense. Therefore the world wars can be named as a situation
where human rights were severely violated.
Therefore the leaders of the world paid attention on maintaining world
peace, improving co-existence among nations and safeguarding human rights.
United Nations Organization was established in 1945 in order to full fill these
objectives. The organization paid great attention on safeguarding human rights.
As a result, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was passed in the General
Assembly on the 10th Of February 1948. It was an important step for safeguarding
human rights.
For free distribution 47
, Universal Declaration of Human Rights of UNO – Article 01
²² All human beings are born free
²² They are equal in terms of dignity and rights
²² They should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood
²² They are endowed with reason and conscience
This declaration has clearly mentioned the fact that all human beings should
be given rights on an equitable basis. It also emphasizes the duties to be fulfilled by
man while enjoying these rights.
It is the duty of all of us to accept the fact that all are equally entitled
to rights and our obligation is to enjoy these rights with responsibility and
understanding. Fulfilling duties while enjoying rights directly contributes to
social development. It ensures the existence of a democratic society. Therefore
it is essential in social life to have knowledge about rights and duties as well as
the way they are fulfilled.
United Nations General Assembly has made a request from school and
educational institutions to exhibit these rights in order to raise awareness among
people.
This request clearly indicates you, as students the importance of having
knowledge about human rights. This knowledge provides an opportunity for you
to spend a good life while enjoying rights. Performing one's duties related to rights
contributes to safeguard rights of the other members of the society. By doing that,
you can ensure the establishment of a democratic and peaceful society.
Activity 3.1
²² Prepare an article on the topic " the importance of raising awareness among
students about Human Rights", to be displayed on school wall paper.
²² Select some important historical events important for achieving Human
Rights and collect information about the rights achieved in those events.
48 For free distribution
