Human Rights

Question 1

Define Human Rights

Answer 1

Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that belong to all human beings. They are inherent, inalienable, indivisible, and universal.

Question 2

Define Universal

Answer 2

Applicable to all

Question 3

Define Indivisible

Answer 3

All rights are equally important

Question 4

Define Inalienable

Answer 4

Cannot be taken away or given up

Question 5

Define Inherent

Answer 5

They are permanent; you are born with them and they stay with you.

Question 6

Are Human Rights Recognised? If so, at what type of level?

Answer 6

Yes. HR are recognised at an international level through the Charter of the UN 1945 and UDHR 1948.

Question 7

What are the Three Types of Human Rights?

Answer 7

1. Civil and political (1st gen)
2. Economic, social, and cultural (2nd gen)
3. Collective rights (3rd gen)

Question 8

What are Civil and Political Rights?

Answer 8

Class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organisations, and private individuals.

Question 9

What are Civil Rights?

Answer 9

Rights that enable freedom of expression across a range of issues.

Question 10

What are Political Rights?

Answer 10

The ability to participate in democracy.

Question 11

What are Economic Rights?

Answer 11

Ability to join a trade union and earn an income.

Question 12

What are Social Rights?

Answer 12

To be treated without discrimination in all aspects of society that give security to people in a society as they live and learn together.

Question 13

What are Cultural Rights?

Answer 13

The ability to practice and follow certain beliefs without persecution, assisting in preserving and enjoying one’s cultural heritage.

Question 14

What are Collective Rights?

Answer 14

Rights that belong to a group of people. E.g. self-determination.

Question 15

What’s the Current Status of Collective Rights?

Answer 15

Unclear but some have been partially recognised in the international instruments.

Question 16

What (5) Historical Documents Led to a Developing Recognition of HR?

Answer 16

1. Magna Carta 1215 and English Common Law
2. UK Declaration of Rights 1689
3. US Declaration of Independence 1776
4. French Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen 1789

Question 17

What is ‘Soft Law’?

Answer 17

Non-binding law

Question 18

What is ‘Hard Law’?

Answer 18

Legally binding law e.g. treaties

Question 19

7 main campaigns recognising HR

Answer 19

ATSPEED
Abolition of Slavery
Trade Unions
Suffrage
Peace Rights
Environmental Rights
Education
Self-determination

Question 20

What is a Covenant?

Answer 20

A binding agreement between states; used synonymously with covenant and treaty.

Question 21

Difference Between Collective Rights and Individual Rights?

Answer 21

Collective rights are rights belonging to a group or a people as opposed to an individual right.

Question 22

What is the UDHR?

Answer 22

A pivotal document that was adopted to promote peace and prevent future catastrophes.

Question 23

What are were the Four Freedoms?

Answer 23

Freedom of speech
Freedom of conscience
Freedom from fear
Freedom from want

Question 24

Why was the UN Charter created?

Answer 24

To “reaffirm faith in fundamental HR, in the dignity and worth of the human person”.

Question 25

What did the UDHR do?

Answer 25

Set out a catalogue of fundamental rights that belong to all people.

Question 26

Why is the UDHR not Law?

Answer 26

The UDHR lacks legal status but has been so widely accepted it is part of international customary law.

Question 27

The ICESCR is an example of:

Answer 27

A formal statement of HR.

Question 28

What is the Main Aim of the ICCPR?

Answer 28

To protect people from arbitrary use of power by governments.

Question 29

What Complicates the Observance of HR by some Nations?

Answer 29

State Sovereignty.

Question 30

Key Rights of Civil and Political Rights:

Answer 30

The right to life Freedom from torture and slavery Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion Prohibition on war propaganda and advocacy of racial hatred.

Question 31

When was the ICCPR Adopted and Came into Force?

Answer 31

1966 and 1976

Question 32

Is the ICCPR a Hard or Soft Law?

Answer 32

Hard Law as it is legally binding.

Question 33

What’s the Main Function of the ICCPR?

Answer 33

To protect the actions of oppressive governments.

Question 34

What Makes the ICCPR an Influential Document?

Answer 34

Majority of states in the world are parties to the ICCPR.

Question 35

Examples of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights:

Answer 35

To join and form trade union - economic To an adequate standard of living - economic Social security - social Participate in cultural life of the community - cultural Education Rest and leisure To earn income and have favourable work conditions

Question 36

Why is the ICESCR Difficult to Enforce?

Answer 36

Divergent views Article 2(1) - state only needs to undertake steps to realise the rights “to the maximum of it’s available resources” Reporting obligations and it’s compliance issues