Chapter 3 - Human Dignity Flashcards
What is human dignity?
Every human being is entitled to live their lives with human dignity. This is possible when human needs are met and their rights respected and protected.
What is a loss of human dignity?
A loss of human dignity can occur if one’s needs are not met or if their rights are not respected or protected.
A loss of human dignity can lead to:
• Isolation
• Degradation
• Humiliation
What is prejudice?
Prejudice occurs when we pre-judge others in a negative way.
What groups are often prejudiced against?
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Persons with disabilities
- Young people
- Women
What is stereotyping?
Stereotyping is one form of prejudice. It occurs when we label a group of people in a negative way.
Name some examples of stereotypes.
- All blondes are dumb
- Young people have no manners
- Women are not good drivers
What is discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when individuals or groups are treated unfairly or unequally.
What factors can influence discrimination?
- Skin colour
- Age
- Race
- Disability
- Religion
- Gender
- Social Background
What is racism?
Racism is based on the assumption that some races are more superior to others. Racism can lead to a loss of human dignity and can take many forms.
What forms can racism take?
- Refusal of goods and services
- Physical aggression
- Name calling and hurtful remarks
What is bullying?
Bullying involves persistent negative behaviour directed at another person/persons.
List the types of bullying.
- Physical bulling (punching, kicking etc.)
- Verbal bullying (Teasing, making hurtful remarks etc.)
- Other forms of bullying (Internet bullying, isolating someone etc.)
List some effects of bullying.
- Physical Effects (e.g. illness, aggression)
- Emotional Effects (e.g. depression, fear, anxiety)
- Academic Effects (e.g. Poor performance, poor attendance)
If you know someone who is being bullied, list some actions that may help the situation.
- Reassure the victim that the bullying will stop
- Refuse to join in with the bullies
- Encourage the victim to talk to an adult
- Make friends with the victim and include them in your group
How many homeless people are there in Ireland today?
5,000 (approx.)
List some reasons that people become homeless.
- Family breakdown
- Unemployment
- Inadequate wages
- Alcohol misuse
- Drug misuse
- Physical or mental illness
- No access to housing
- Domestic abuse and violence
- Leaving institutional care
What effects can homelessness have on an individual which can lead to a loss of human dignity?
- Having no address
- Little privacy
- Having nowhere to wash or go to the toilet
- No sense of belonging
- Feelings of isolation
- Exposure to adverse weather conditions
- Depression
- Reliance on alcohol or drugs
- Illness
Name some organisations that work with the homeless.
- Focus Ireland
- St Vincent de Paul
- The Simon Community
- Threshold
- Peter McVerry Trust
- The Salvation Army
What is the Traveller community?
The Traveller Community is a distinct ethnic group with their own history, culture, traditions and language. Many Travellers lead a nomadic way of life travelling from place to place.
This lifestyle has led to problems, which in turn has led to a loss of human dignity to many within this community.
What problems do members of the Traveller community face?
- Some families have no access to water or sanitary facilities
- Some families are without electricity
- The Traveller community has a lower life expectancy than the settled community
- Travellers have been victims of discrimination and have been refused access to goods and services
- Many Traveller children leave school early without any qualifications
Name some organisations that work with the Traveller community.
- Pavee Point
- The Irish Traveller Movement
- Exchange House
What is a refugee?
A refugee is an individual who has been forced to leave their home for fear of persecution or death. Refugees often seek safety in another country.
What is an asylum seeker?
An asylum seeker is an individual who has applied for refugee status in another country but is waiting for their application to be processed.
Why do refugees leave their home?
- War
- Natural disasters
- Political reasons
- Economic reasons
Why do refugees and asylum seekers suffer from a loss of human dignity?
Refugees and asylum seekers suffer from a loss of human dignity because:
- Asylum seekers are in receipt of direct provision in Ireland
- Asylum seekers receive reduced welfare payments
- Child benefit is not paid to asylum seekers
- Adult asylum seekers are not permitted to work
- Adult asylum seekers are not permitted to partake in educational courses
- Asylum seeking children cannot avail of third level education
Name some organisations that work with refugees and asylum seekers.
- The Irish Refugee Council
- The Jesuit Refugee Service
- The Immigrant Council of Ireland
What is the state’s role in upholding human dignity?
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for the protection of human rights in Ireland.
What are the Equal Status Acts?
The Equal Status Acts (2000 & 2004) are a set of laws that protect the rights of and uphold the dignity of Irish citizens.
What are the nine grounds that the Equal Status Acts prohibit discrimination on?
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Family Status
- Sexual Orientation
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Race
- Membership of the Traveller Community
What does the Equality Authority do?
The Equality Authority provides information to the public on equality law and may provide legal assistance to those making a claim under the Equal Status Act.
What does the Irish Human Rights Commission do?
The Irish Human Rights Commission advises the government on human rights issues and ensures that the rights of all are realised and protected.
