1. What are basic human rights?

     Human rights consist of basic, innate freedoms that every possesses as a human being such as the right to live a happy and healthy life, free of governmental abuse, where one can have a job, ample food, good health, and the responsible freedom to pursue one’s goals with dignity.

2. What is the difference between human rights and civil rights?

     Human rights are basic to each individual simply because each individual has the right to live a dignified and humane existence.    They are natural and fundamental to one’s being.

     Civil rights are rights and privileges granted by the government.   Examples are the right to drive at age l6, the right to vote at age l8, and the right to drink alcohol at age 21. 

3. What is the historical background or context surrounding human rights?

     The basis of human rights can be found in past documents and speeches down through the ages.  Scholars, philosophers, theolgians, and other thinkers have alluded to or discussed human rights in their works.  The following is an historical  listing of references and explanations of human rights

.

         -The Code of Hammurabi - Ancient Babylonia- BC

         -The Ten Commandments - Old Testament of the Bible - called for respect and protection 

                                                    of certain fundamental individual rights.  ex.the freedom to have

                                                    property and possessions without encroachment by others.

         -Magna Carta - 1215 - England - acknowledges to right to a fair trial and states that even

                                                   a sovereign is not above the law.

         -The US Bill of Rights - American Constitution 1797 -gave Americans freedom of speech,

                                                    the right to assemble, the right to bear arms, the freedom to

                                                    worship as one pleases, etc.(Note also the various amendments

                                                    to the US Constitution and the rights each guarantees.)

         -Emancipation Proclamation - 1863 - freedom from slavery

         -Gettysburg Address - l864 - a fair government -of the people, by the people, and for the

                                                    people.

         -French Declaration of the Rights of Man - 1864

           -Hague Convention - 1899 - established humanitarian rules for naval warfare

           -League of Nations - 1920 -created after WWI  to avoid excess brutality and ensure

                                             peace.  It called for “fair and humane” conditions of labour for men,

                                             women and children.”  It also attempted to protect the rights

                                             national minorities in certain countries.

          -Geneva Convention - 1926 -  protected medical installations and personnel during

                                             wartime.

          -Atlantic Charter - Franklin D. Roosevelt’s  “Four Freedoms Speech” - 1941 - given 

                                             before U.S. Congress.  It said that the 4 basic freedoms could never

                                             be abridged.   They are:

                                                       FREEDOM FROM WANT

                                                       FREEDOM OF SPEECH

                                                       FREEDOM OF WORSHIP

                                                       FREEDOM FROM FEAR

                                              Note also FDR’s “New Deal” socio-economic policies to help

                                              the poor in America during the Depression.

          -United Nations Charter - 1945 - Mentions human rights 5 times - created in reaction to

                                             genocide and atrocities committed by Nazis in WWII

                                             against Jews, in particular, and others.

            -UN Declaration of Human Rights - 1948 -finely delineated basic human rights that should

                                             be enjoyed by every individual in every country throughout the

                                             world.

            -Anti Segregation Legislation - US - l960’s-called for an end to discriminatory practices

                                              against Blacks in America and integration between the blacks

                                              and whites in regard to education and other social issues.

            -Human Rights Philosophers and Thinkers:

                                                     St. Thomas Aquinas

                                                     Baruch Spinoza

                                                      John Locke

                                                      Gottfried Leibnitz

                                                      Hugo Grotius

                                                      Jean-Jacques Rousseau

4. What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play in the promotion of human rights?

                  Eleanor Roosevelt played a key role in the awareness and promotion of human rights because she served on the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations which was charged with drafting a list of basic human rights that all nations across the entire world could accept and adhere to.   This list of rights which guaranteed dignity to all individuals regardless of race, color, or creed, or nationality was called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   It is one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments because it addresses the dignity of all individuals on the face of the earth.  If it had not been for Eleanor Roosevelt’s persistence and compromise, the UDHR may well have never been written or passed.

5. Why do you think it was necessary for the United Nations to formulate and write down a list of human rights?

     It was necessary to write down a list of human rights because before this time, it was merely assumed that all countries recognized the dignity and  basic freedoms of all individuals.   However,after WWII, the world was stunned and shocked by the horrific brutalities inflicted by the Nazis upon Jews,  prisoners of war, Jehovah Witnesses, homosexuals, the mentally retarded, physically handicapped, and others who did not uphold Nazi philosophy or were detrimental to their plan of an ideal superior Aryan race.  The Nazis practiced  “ethnic cleansing” by torturing their victims and killing them  by lethal injection, beatings, carbon monoxide poisoning, or in gas chambers.  Their plan to annhilate all the Jews of Europe necessitated  the construction of concentration camps or “killing factories” where they could efficiently carry out their plan to exterminate all opposition to Hitler and his utlimate  plan to “rule the world.”  The Nazis robbed Jews and others of their homes, all their possessions, and even of their citizenship and right to vote. They stripped away their dignity and eventually took their life. The killing of 6 million Jews, one million of whom were innocent children, and also the murder of 3 million Christians and others is known as the HOLOCAUST.   It occurred during the 1930’s and 40’s.

     When the world learned of this, it “altered forever the way in which people considered human rights.”  They agreed that this should never happen again  Public outrage called for the creation of a world organization that could prohibit such inhumanity to man from ever occurring again. Thus, the United Nations was created and eventually, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted.  Human rights shifted from being a “domestic” concern where each individual country dispensed its own brand of human rights to its own citizens to a “universal” concern where human rights transcended narrow, national self-interest to encompass a broad and sweeping international idea of  the basic rights of all people everywhere.  Concepts that were once vague or merely assumed were suddenly translated in written form.

6. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

     The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a document which sets forth the basic and fundamental  rights and freedoms of all people on earth.   The UDHR lists the rights that all people  possess, share or should aspire to  no matter what color they are, what religion they practice, or what country they’re from.

7. Name some of the human rights listed in The Declaration of Human Rights.

       Some of the human rights listed in The Declaration of Human Rights are as follows:

           1.All people are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

           2. Everyone has the right to life, liberty ,security and the protection of the law.

           3. No one shall be the slave of anyone.

           4. No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or 

               punishment..

           5. Everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to protection of the law without

              discrimination.

           6. Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing and judgment by an impartial body.

           7. Everyone charged with an offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proven

               guilty.

           8. Everyone has the right to privacy.

           9. Everyone has the right to his nationality.

         10. Everyone has the right to own property and shall not arbitrarily be deprived of it.

          l1. Everyone has the right to express himself and to freely speak his mind.

          l2. Everyone has the right to work at the job he wants without discrimination.

         13. Everyone has the right to an education.

         14. Everyone has the right to a healthy standard of living, consisting of adequate

               food, clothing, housing, and medical care.

        15. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure and holidays.

        16. Everyone has the right to enjoy peace and order.

8. Which of these rights do you agree with?   Give reasons why you feel the way you do, etc. 

                                        (Answers will vary)

9. What foreign countries do you read about today who are not upholding any of these rights?   Explain what is happening and the reasons why.

       Some of the countries who have not upheld human rights set forth in The Declaration of Human Rights are as follows:

             -Bosnia-Serbia (Yugoslavia) - Genocide is occurring over religion and land issues.

             -Rwanda- Africans are starving to death.

             -Algeria

              -China - Citizens are prohibited from speaking freely and disagreeing with the ruling

                           government.

             -Mauritania - (Africa) Men, women, and children are bought, sold, and kept as slaves.

              -Tibet

              -Ireland - continuing fighting and killing between Catholic Irish and Protestants.

              -Israel - continuing animosity  and hostility between Arabs and Isralies over property

                          and boundary issues

              -Iran/Iraq

              -US-exploitation of illegal aliens, sweatshops, discrimination against Afro-Americans

              -Mexico

10. What  international machinery exists today to help guarantee and protect human rights?   Are they effective?

      There is international machinery which exists today to help guarantee and protect human rights.  They are as follows:

               The United Nations is an international peace organization consisting of several countries throughout the world whose goal is to bring countries together for dialogue and in doing so,  ensures and maintains peace throughout the world.  

              The UN can appoint investigators called “Special Rapporteurs” who can enter a country

              in order to monitor and report human rights violations to the UN.

              The UN can conduct peacekeeping operations in countries who are experiencing

              trouble.

              The UN can impose economic and political sanctions against countries who commit

              crimes against humanity.

              The UN has created 2 international tribunals (courts) to bring human rights abusers to

              justice.

              Currently, the UN is working to establish a permanent International Criminal Court

              to bring to justice and make accountable those who commit war crimes and genocide.

       This machinery is working.  For example,UN troops were sent to Bosnia-Serbia to help keep peace and the leaders of genocide were brought to an international world court to be judged.

       The UN is attempting to monitor the production of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons in Iraq.  Saddam Hussein is objecting to UN scrutiny and theUN Security Council is considering consequences to his refusal and non-compliance.

11.  What do you suggest can be done to make sure these countries will abide by The Declaration of Human Rights?

     Countries must be continually monitored for human rights abuses.  Citizens should act as watchdogs and be constantly on alert and made aware of violators of human rights.  They should make a public outcry against these outrages, and forciefully call  for measure to be taken to halt its spread.  Public and political sanctions should be enforced if necessary and UN deployment of troops such as those in Desert Storm during the Iran/Iraq war must be considered.

12.     What violations of basic human rights do you see here in the US?    Why?   What suggestions can you to stop this situation.

     There are several violations of basic human rights here in America today.  Many Afro-Americans feel discriminated against and want equal access to education and jobs.  Many women feel discriminated against and demand equal pay for equal work.  There is disagreement over the abortion issue and if one has the right to terminate a pregnancy.  There is also disagreement on the quality of life during illness and disease and the right to end life if one wishes.

There is discrimination against  lesbians and homosexuals.  Moreover, there are times that people who have immigrated from other countries find themselves ridiculed and made fun of.  Some people do not wish to tolerate others who are “different” than they.

        The way discrimination and prejudice can stop is by people coming together and talking to one another.  Through dialogue and communication with one another, people can understand that the differences that divide them are really small in comparison to the similarities of feelings

and expression that they have in common as human beings.  Through multi-cultural education in the schools, by reading a variety of multi-ethnic stories and books, and by embracing others  different from oneself at work as well as in social contexts, people will see that, in reality, all human beings share the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations and are united.

13. What socio-economic issues do you see that need to be addressed in the US at the present time and what is your opinion about these issues?  (Poverty, Welfare Reform, Gender Equality, women in Congress, a female President.)

     Several socio-economic issues in the US today that should be or are being addressed.   One of these issues is Poverty.  Presently, there are people living in the US who make less than $12,000 per year and are living at the poverty level.  They are dependent on subsidies from the government such as food stamps, day care, and medical benefits.  No one should be homeless or go without food.  Steps should be taken to help one to upgrade his education and skills so that he can find employment, feel good about himself, and contribute to society.

    There should be gender equality in the workplace. If a woman does the same job as a man with the same skill level  and expertise, then she should be paid. on a scale comparable to a man’s..  She should also be allowed to work without sexual harassment or inuendo.    

      If a woman seeks public office and wishes to run for Congress, she should be able to run and be subjected to the same screening and opportunities as her male counterpart.  Moreover, if she is qualified and has the desire, then she should be able to run for the Presidency.  Nothing should prevent a woman from reaching her full potential and fulfillment if she desires simply because of her sex.  All opportunites and venues open to men should be also afforded to women without discrimination.

l4-15. What are your feelings concerning racism?   What would happen if a new student entered your classroom? 

                                  (Answers will vary)

16. What are stereotypes?   Give Examples.   How are stereotypes perpetuated?   What is the danger of believing in stereotypes?

        Stereotyping is awarding certain characteristics to all people and lumping them together as the same.   ex. All blondes are dumb.  All teenagers smoke and take drugs. All Italians are in the Mafia.   

     Stereotypes can be taught or learned by taking on the prejudices and intolerances of others instead of judging others by oneself.  Communicating with others different than oneself and understanding one another  will help stereotypes disappear.The danger of believing in stereotypes

and lumping everyone into a sterotypical mold separates and divides us, thus perpetuating intolerance, outcasts, and scapegoats.  Stereotyping is unfair, unjust, and untrue. Each person should be judged on his own individual merits.

l7.-19. What are your feelings concerning Anne Frank, good and evil, and not speaking up for what you believe?

                                  (Answers will vary)

20. How do you believe peace can be achieved in the world?   What part can you play in your school and community to help achieve this goal?

     Peace can be achieved in this world if everyone put the welfare of others above his own personal wants and desires and by supplanting one’s passion for greed, money, and possessions to a genuine concern for all mankind.  People need to strive to be “his brother’s keeper” and follow the “golden rule,” treating others the same way he  would want to be treated himself..  Countries must look beyond narrow national self interest, and embrace the fact that they are in a global  community of interdependency.  Furthermore, countries must regale their citizenry with the fundamental and basic human rights as stated in the UDHR and be cognizant of the fact that  the UN and other groups will be watching them, monitoring abuses, and bringing violators  and abusers of human rights to justice.
    

     You can play a key part in your school by not tolerating prejudice and by lashing out whenever you see injustice.   Look for the similarities, strength, and goodness in one another instead of the differences.  Always look beyond your own selfish , self interest and instead, strive toward the greater good, the unity and benefit of all mankind.

    Use your influence in your schoolroom, school clubs, church organizations, sports, and other activites and programs  to which you belong or in which you engage.  Point out intolerance and injustice when you see it even if it means having the courage to stand alone for a cause that you think is right and just.  Surround yourself with others with varied and multi-cultural backgrounds and begin to appreciate the interesting and talented differences of others. By doing this, you will enrich youself and grow.

21. What non-governmental organizations exist that do much to promote human rights and peace in the world?

     Some non-governmental organizations that exist to promote human rights in the world are as follows:  You may join them:

                       Amnesty International - helps put pressure on countries who have wrongly or

                                                           justly imprisoned, tortured, or killed innocent people.

                       Local Churches - raise money and send missionaries to help citizens whose human

                                                           rights are being abused.                                    

There are also governmental agencies that help promote human rights.  They are UNESCO, UNICEF, NATO, etc.

22. Can human rights exist without democracy?   Must there be a “universal aspiration to democracy” if human rights are to exist at all?   Explain.

No, human rights cannot exist without a democracy.  Human rights are naturally part of a democratic government.  Countries that respect their citizens and allow them to enjoy limited and responsible freedoms and grant them the human rights they deserve are democratic countries.  A democracy, by its very nature, is a government that elicits and welcomes the response of its citizenry.

Moreover, it should be noted that democratic governments, offering human rights to its citizens are more stable and less likely to go to war.  Citizens who have a say in the working of their government and know that their government listens to and respects them have no reason to rebel.

Citizens know they have a voice as well as the means for change if they so desire .

    On the other hand, when citizens are discontented and victimized, and governments are contemptuous of citizens’ rights, then it creates an atmosphere of rebelliousness that could explode into eventual war, not only within the country itself, but internationally.  “When those in power victimize the weak, they stoke fires of eventual explosion.”   There is a truism which states:   “...democratic countries rarely go to war with one another.”  Democratic countries enjoying the benefits of human rights as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights lead to a more stable environment, not only in their own country, but throughout the entire world.    “Only when fundamental human rights are protected will we have any real hope of establishing a stable and secure world order.”   (pp. 6-7, Inalienable Rights, Fundamental Freedoms, A U.N. Agenda for Advancing Human Rights in the World Community   A Report of the UNA-USA Global Policy Project, UN Assoc.,l996.)

Some material derived from FERI website. (Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute.)