FUR2601 ASSIGNMENT 2
SEMESTER 2 - 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER: 720564
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
, FUR2601 ASSIGNMENT 2
UNIQUE NUMBER: 720564
CLOSING DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
MARKS: 10
QUESTION 1
What is the basis for the distinction between socio-economic rights on the one hand and
civil and political rights on the other?
First-generation rights are the traditional liberal rights or the so-called civil and
political rights. They are called negative rights because they impose a duty on the
state to act in certain ways. They also require states to refrain from interfering with
individuals' liberties. These rights include the right to life, the right to freedom of
expression, and the right to a fair trial.
Second-generation rights are the socioeconomic rights, known as positive rights.
They impose an obligation on the state to ensure that all inhabitants have access to
basic social goods and that their basic needs are met. These rights include the right
to education, the right to work, and the right to an adequate standard of living.
The distinction between civil and political rights and socio-economic rights is often based on
the idea that civil and political rights are essential for human dignity and freedom, while
socio-economic rights are necessary for human well-being.
1
SEMESTER 2 - 2023
UNIQUE NUMBER: 720564
DUE DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
, FUR2601 ASSIGNMENT 2
UNIQUE NUMBER: 720564
CLOSING DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
MARKS: 10
QUESTION 1
What is the basis for the distinction between socio-economic rights on the one hand and
civil and political rights on the other?
First-generation rights are the traditional liberal rights or the so-called civil and
political rights. They are called negative rights because they impose a duty on the
state to act in certain ways. They also require states to refrain from interfering with
individuals' liberties. These rights include the right to life, the right to freedom of
expression, and the right to a fair trial.
Second-generation rights are the socioeconomic rights, known as positive rights.
They impose an obligation on the state to ensure that all inhabitants have access to
basic social goods and that their basic needs are met. These rights include the right
to education, the right to work, and the right to an adequate standard of living.
The distinction between civil and political rights and socio-economic rights is often based on
the idea that civil and political rights are essential for human dignity and freedom, while
socio-economic rights are necessary for human well-being.
1
