WEEK one

Question 1

What is the definition of Human Rights?

Answer 1

Human rights refer to basic human rights and freedoms that are believed to belong to all human beings. They are universal, inalienable (cannot be taken away and are inherit in all people. They also often described as “indivisible”, meaning they are interdependent.

Question 2

What is the meaning of Inherent?

Answer 2

A person possesses them the moment they are born.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Inalienable?

Answer 3

Governments may deny people access to their human rights but they cannot be taken away.

Question 4

What is the aim of human rights?

Answer 4

Human rights aim to protect individuals from injustice, allow people to achieve their full potential in society and prevent discrimination against groups of people because of their physical characteristics or beliefs.

Question 5

What is the Universal Declaration of human rights?

Answer 5

The Universal declaration of human rights is an international declaration of human rights and has formed the basis for laws, constitutions, international treaties and ongoing international debate on human rights.

Question 6

What is the definition of slavery?

Answer 6

A type of forced labour in which a person is considered to be in the legal property of another

Question 7

What is the relevant article of the universal declaration of human rights?

Answer 7

Article-4-UHHR

“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms”

Question 8

What was slavery’s main purpose throughout the world?

Answer 8

Types of slavery differed around the world, but slavery was usually used as a way to fill certain roles in society for little or no cost, without needing to pay wages. Slaves were forced to carry out menial or labour- intensive jobs, in return receiving food and accommodation.

Question 9

When did moves to abolish slavery begin?

Answer 9

Moves to abolish slavery and slave trading in European cities and states began as early as the 12th century. Iceland for example officially abolished slavery in 1117. As Europeans began to conquer the new world and their empires expanded, they required more and more reasons to grow and support their new colonies. As the horrors trade became known in Europe a political movement aimed at abolishing it began. This was known as abolitionism, the movement began in the 18th century and gradually grew.

Question 10

Describe abolitionism

Answer 10

Known as abolitionism, the movement began in the 18th century and gradually grew. Rationalist thinkers began to criticise slavery and evangelical Christians began to criticise it as unchristian.

Question 11

Outline how slavery was progressively outlawed from the mid-century?

Answer 11

In Britain slavery was ruled illegal in the common law of England in a 1772 jugement by the court of kings bench in the case of Somersett. The judge held that slavery was no longer legal in England. (This did no affect slavery in the British empire

Question 12

What was the last country in the world to officially abolish slavery in the world when did this happen?

Answer 12

The last state in the world to abolish slavery was Mauritania (West Africa) in 1981

Question 13

How many estimated slaves are in the world today?

Answer 13

There are currently 27 million estimated slaves.

Question 14

When and where did labour begin?

Answer 14

The Industrial revolution occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries. It began in the united kingdom and spread to Europe.

Question 15

What was the essence of such labour laws at the time?

Answer 15

More protection for workers and better conditions

Question 16

Define trade unions

Answer 16

Trade union is an organisation of workers created to pressure and further theirs rights and interests.

Question 17

Why did trade unions emerge during the industrial revolution?

Answer 17

Trade unions first emerged during the industrial revolution in response to the appalling conditions, lack of safety, low wages and long working hours in the factories if the new industrial cities

Question 18

Explain why such large scale organised activity was necessary to effect change in the workplace?

Answer 18

This was because it was only through action by all workers that employers could be forced to improve conditions for workers. If all the workers went on strike, the employer would have to listen to their demands. They could not sack their entire workforce.

Question 19

What difficulties did the earliest trade union face?

Answer 19

The earliest trade unions faced difficult conditions. Laws were created to criminalise workers involvement in trade unions and heavy penalties were applied. For example in 1834 a group of farm labourers in England formed a society to campaign for higher wages.

Question 20

What act of British parliament secured the legal status of trade unions?

Answer 20

The British parliament passed- under pressure- The trade unions Act 1897 (Uk) which secured the legal status of trade unions.

Question 21

Why was the Australian Labour party formed?

Answer 21

The Australian Labour party was formed, due to harsh tactics being employed by governments and employers to break large scale strikes in the 1890’s, the unions in Australia joined together to form their own political party, The Australian Labour Party (ALP)

Question 22

List some workplace rights attributed to trade unions

Answer 22

Trade Unions worked to ensure that fair wages and conditions were maintained and many working conditions taken for granted today in industrialised countries came about due to union actions. (For example Minimum wage and Maternity leave, annual leave occupational health and safety and workers compensation)