Constitutional rights and responsibilities

Creating a human rights culture in South Africa The South African Constitution contains a Bill of Rights that guarantees our rights and allows us to defend them in court. Building a human rights culture = depends mostly on the attitudes of individuals, and the respect and tolerance that they show towards other people.

Tolerance means: Showing respect towards other people Being patient with other people Listening to and accepting other peoples’ opinion Solving problems by talking about them and negotiating solutions

Respect for other’s rights: people living with different disabilities http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8umFV69fNg According Convention of Rights of Persons of Disabilities (signed in 2009 by S.A.), people living with disabilities are those who are unable to live normal individual or social lives. Because of long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment. Disabled people have the same fundamental rights as able-bodied people.

Respect for other’s rights: people living with different disabilities People with disabilities have the right to: Live independently and therefore have access to things that are designed to help them become as self-reliant as possible (including transport, information and communication technology, medial and psychological treatment, medical and social rehabilitation, education and vocational training, counselling and other services)

Respect for other’s rights: people living with different disabilities People with disabilities have the right to : Have their special needs taken into consideration at all stages of economic and social planning Be protected against exploitation, discrimination and abuse Education, including learning Braille and sign language

Respect for other’s rights: people living with different disabilities Complete activity 7.1. on page 60

Respect for others’ rights: people living with HIV and AIDS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJH1f5mqs4 The rights of people living with HIV and AIDS: The right to have their dignity respected and protected. The right to freedom of movement and residence.

Respect for others’ rights: people living with HIV and AIDS The right to work and to choose their trade, occupation or profession freely The right to freedom of association The right to have access to health care The right to make their own decisions The right to privacy The right to housing and education

Respect for others’ rights: people living with HIV and AIDS People are affected by HIV/ AIDS when their families, communities and support structures fail to provide them with support and services they need. These effects may be worsened by stigma and discrimination on the basis of race, behaviour or being related to someone living with HIV/ AIDS. Policies and programmes to support families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS are needed to ensure that their rights are upheld. The most vulnerable of those affected are children orphaned by HIV/ AIDS.

Rights of affected children that are violated: Food and food security Health Shelter and protection of property and inheritance Parental love, care and nurturance or appropriate alternative care Education Play and recreation

Rights of affected children that are violated: Identity Protection against abuse Protection against child labour Participation by children in the decisions that affect their lives.

Policy framework for orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS Drawn up in S.A. in 2005. Some of the strategies for the support and care of orphans and vulnerable children were to: Strengthen and support families Strengthen community-based organisations

Policy framework for orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS Ensure that legislation, policy, strategies and programmes are in place Assure access to essential services Raise awareness and promote the creation of a supportive environment Engage the civil society sector and business community

Celebrations of national and international days Divide into 10 groups. One of the celebrated days will be appointed to each group. You have to present it to the rest of the class.. You have to know all of these days for the exams!

Plan and participate in a local celebration of a national day There are many national health days, these are established in order to draw attention to, and create awareness of, a variety of health issues that threaten our society (like National Epilepsy Day in June). Some of these are spread over a month, for example National TB Awareness Month in March. The national health awareness days are listed on: http://www.info.gov.za