1. What are human rights?

2.  In pairs brainstorm qualities that define a human being. ◦ For example: intelligence, sympathy, humour

3.  In pairs brainstorm qualities that define a human being.  What is needed in order to protect enhance (make better), and fully develop these qualities of being a human being? ◦ Ex. Education, friendship, loving family

4.  What does it mean to be fully human? How is that different from just "being alive" or "surviving"?

5.  Based on this list, what do people need to live in dignity?

6.  Are all human beings essentially equal? What is the value of human differences?

7.  Can any of our "essential" human qualities be taken from us? For example, only human beings can communicate with complex language; are you human if you lose the power of speech?

8.  What happens when a person or government attempts to deprive someone of something that is necessary to human dignity?

9.  What would happen if you had to give up one of these human necessities?

10.  In pairs, come up with a definition (in your own words) of what a right is.

11.  Based on the discussion we just had, come up with a definition of a human right.

12.  Human rights are held by all persons equally, universally, and forever.  Human rights are inalienable: you cannot lose these rights any more than you can cease being a human being.inalienable  Human rights are indivisible: you cannot be denied a right because it is "less important" or "non-essential."indivisible

13.  Human rights are interdependent: all human rights are part of a complementary framework. For example, your ability to participate in your government is directly affected by your right to express yourself, to get an education, and even to obtain the necessities of life.interdependent

14.  Another definition for human rights is those basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity.  To violate someone’s human rights is to treat that person as though she or he were not a human being.  To advocate human rights is to demand that the human dignity of all people be respected.

15.  Where, after all, do universal rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.

16.  What do you think Eleanor Roosevelt means by "universal rights"?

17.  Some people feel that universal values or standards of behavior are impossible. What do you think?

18.  Why do you think the UN chose the word universal instead of the word international when naming the UDHR?

19.  If you had to choose only one human right to have which one would you choose and why?  Write a well structured paragraph as your answer: ◦ The human right I would choose it… ◦ YRR, YRR, ◦ That’s why I would choose…