Human Rights

Freedoms – privileges that are so basic they cannot be restricted by laws of the governments (e.g. religion) Rights – granted and guaranteed by government. There are limits (e.g. right to live where you want but cannot deprive another person of their home) Duties – obligations in exchange for rights (e.g. right to job, duty to pay taxes) Responsibilities – go beyond duties to show behavior that respects the rights of others (e.g. freedom of speech means you don’t threaten other people)

Human Rights Civil Rights so basic they belong to all humans rights granted by the government

Legislation to protect your rights Bill of Rights – prior to 1960 your rights were protected by common law, but the Bill of Rights created statutes to protect your rights Charter of Rights and Freedoms – in 1982 we strengthened the Bill of Rights to make it harder to amend; the Charter was entrenched in the Constitution.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Rights include Fundamental freedoms (freedom of speech, religion, association) Democratic rights (right to vote, participate in government) Mobility rights (move from province to province – able to work) Legal rights (free from torture, fair trial) Equality rights (everyone is equal under the law) Language rights (right to speak and education) Enforcement (if the government or others violate your rights)

Protection of International Human Rights The struggle for human rights is very complex, involving many countries and many people. Examples of human rights issues are apartheid and the rights of children. As a result, several government and non-government (NGO) organizations have been working toward eliminating global human rights violations Protection of International Human Rights

The United Nations December 1948 passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (members are not legally bound to follow the declaration, however this is the set standard) Major Points no torture/cruel inhumane punishment all people equal before the law right to fair, public and impartial hearing right to life, liberty, security no slavery right to leave and return to any country right to a nationality right to marry and raise a family right to peaceful assembly/association right to work and protection against unemployment right to an education (elementary should be free and parents have right to choose

Options nations can take against a nation that violates human rights refuse trade sanctions (penalties) sever diplomatic relations publicly criticize accept refugees give food/assistance to victims tie trade and aid to human rights acceptance

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS These groups are neutral since they are not connected with any particular government. This neutrality allows them to have influence that government organizations (like UN) cannot have. NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The principals and structure allows them to visit prisoners of war (ensuring they are being treated fairly and report to families about their welfare), and provide emergency aid when earthquakes, floods, or famine strikes Fundamental Principals Humanity (ensure health and respect for all humans) Impartiality (cannot make any discrimination – relieve suffering based solely on needs) Neutrality and Independence (does not take sides in a conflict) Voluntary (not prompted for any desire for personal gain) Unity (only one society in any country open to anyone in order to promote unity) Universality (all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities)

Amnesty International Works to promote the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Works to free prisoners due to beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language or religion Anyone helped by Amnesty must not have urged or used violence Works to abolish death penalty, torture, cruel treatment of prisoners, political killings and “disappearances” Activities range from public demonstrations to letter writing, from human rights education to fundraising concerts

China – Tiananmen Square

Myanmar Go to page 154 in Exploring Globalization textbook and read the section on Myanmar and Aung Sung Suu Kyi

Conditions in burma/myanmar

Saffron revolution

Taking action in burma/myanmar