Chapter 12 What is Citizenship?

Rights and Responsibilities: A History After Holocaust and atrocities of WW2, Canada and other countries wanted to improve conditions in world by passing legislation to guarantee human rights fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0df_9_LUDU

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Written by Canadian John Humphrey Passed by United Nations 1948 First international statement of its kind to use the term “human rights” on a global scale. It includes the following basic guiding principles/resolutions: See Textbook page 194

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Continued Only effective if all countries live by its principles There have been many violations UN has established committees to monitor this, but has limited ability to enforce Can make violations known to public hoping that pressure from other countries with make the offending nation comply

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Part of the Constitution Act, which was “brought home” or patriated in 1982 Became a major milestone for Canadian self rule or sovereignty for Canada Hallmark for rights of Canadians Part of the Constitution meaning rights and freedoms that it protects cannot be changed easily Since these rights/freedoms are guaranteed by law, courts make decisions when there are issues that involve these rights

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Charter rights are not “absolute” rights They are subject to ‘reasonable limits prescribed by law in a free and democratic society” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvuySazzaAQ&feature=related

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Some of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are: Democratic Rights – eg. right to vote Legal Rights – eg. Right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty Equality Rights – eg. Protection from discrimination Mobility Rights – eg. Right to travel and work in any province Fundamental Freedoms – eg. Expression, opinion

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The Charter also guarantees Official language rights Minority language rights Aboriginal and treaty rights It also contains a “notwithstanding clause” that allows provincial/federal governments to make exceptions in certain cases

Responsibilities With Rights, however, come Responsibilities: Understand and obey laws Participate in democratic society Vote in elections Allow others to enjoy their rights and freedoms Appreciate and help preserve your heritage Acquire knowledge and understanding of people and places around the world Help preserve the environment Speak out against social injustice, discrimination and racism Challenge institutional thinking when it violates human rights