Theme: Considering a definition of economics for the 21st century that includes ecology and ethics
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A network dedicated to building a culture of human rights
A re Human Rights Universal? Source: HRE USA Using hypothetical examples, students will discuss the concept of universal human rights and their personal thoughts and opinions on the issues. Students will be asked to read or listen to various news articles about the topics, conduct their own research, and prepare notes for a discussion. The purpose is to use current and personal examples in order to engage students in the discussion of human rights.
Grade Level : high school Subject Area : social studies
“Close to Home” – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Source: UN Visitor’s Center Teaching Guide and Resources for two lessons: Understanding the UDHR introduces the UDHR engages students with specific rights; Everyday Human Rights relates rights to daily life.
Grade Level : K-4; 5-8 Subject Area: social studies
Competing Visions of Human Rights: Questions for U.S. Policy Source: The Choices Program, Brown University] A challenging seven-lesson curriculum that addresses human rights concepts, practice, and controveries.
Grade Level : high school Subject Area: social studies, history, civics
Educating for Human Dignity: Learning about Rights and Responsibilities Author: Betty Reardon, Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press It is the first resource offering both guidance and support materials for human rights education programs from kindergarten through high school. It opens possibilities for an holistic approach to human rights education that directly confronts the values issues raised by human rights problems in a context of global interrelationships. Designed for both teachers and teacher educators. Grade Level: Adults, educators, teacher educators
Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Source: National Park Service Focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt’s role. Compares the UDHR with Magna Carta and the US Bill of Rights. Grade Level: high school Subject Area: social studies, history
Going Global – Investigating Global Issues of Interest and Importance Source: HRE USA In this independent research project, students focus on areas of interest to them based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and then study a location that is a hotbed of violations of their chosen human right. The long-term study culminates with a structured presentation of their topic with the intent to raise awareness of Human Rights issues and the intent of proposing a potential solution utilizing specific problem-solving steps. Grade Level: middle school Subject Area: social studies
Human Rights Source: Anti-defamation League Introduces the UDHR and relates rights to students’ communities and experiences
Grade Level: high school Subject Area: social studies, civics
Human Rights Here and Now: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Publisher: Amnesty International, University of Minnesota Human Rights Center, The Stanley Foundation, 1998 Full curriculum that provides an introduction to the UDHR and human rights and human rights education, lesson plans, activities for taking action, and a human rights glossary. Grade Level: middle – high school
Human Rights, Responsibilities, and You Publisher: The Advocates for Human Rights Three lessons that introduce human rights and personal responsibility for their realization in everyday life. Grade Level: middle school Subject Area: social studies
I Have a Right to … Source: BBC World Service A collection of case studies that illustrate specific human rights with contemporary examples. Grade Level: high school Subject Area: social studies, current events, geography
Introduction to Human Rights Lesson Plan Source: PBS NewsHour Classroom, AFT An introduction to human rights with video. Grade Level: middle school-high school Subject Area: social studies, civics
Teaching Human Rights Author: David Shiman Publisher: Center for Teaching International Relations, 1993 The UDHR provides a useful framework for organizing this collection of curriculum activities on human rights. Can serve either as the core on human rights or a resource from which teachers can draw specific activities to integrate into existing curricula. Price : About $30 Grade Level : middle – high school Subject Area : social studies, government
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Source: Facing History and Ourselves Reading and discussion on the history and significance of the UDHR. Grade Level : middle – high school Subject Area : history, social studies, government
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Lesson Plan Source: Academy 4 Social Change Covers the meaning of rights, the UDHR and its contemporary relevance. Grade Level : middle – high school Subject Area : history, social studies, government
The UDHR & Contemporary Issues Source: HRE USA This lesson asks students to correlate the UDHR to current newspaper articles which illustrate the portrayal of human rights in one of four situations (rights achieved, rights denied, rights violated, rights in conflict). Students will explain that situation, the correlation to the UDHR, and then write a reflection on the role of the UDHR in potentially resolving the situation. Grade Level : high school Subject Area : social studies
Using Inquiry-Based Research to Highlight Contemporary Human Rights Challenges Source: HRE USA Students will be introduced to the concept of Human Rights and tasked with finding how they are still applicable to our world today. This series of lessons will begin with a general introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Following this, students will design their own questions about what human rights abuses may still be occurring today. The lesson will culminate in students creating an infographic, which will then be shared with the class. Grade Level : high school Subject Area : social studies
The World as It Could Be Publisher: The World as It Could Be Full curriculum that uses the creative arts to deepen learning about the UDHR and provide opportunities for the youth to, in turn, teach their peers and adults about the importance of manifesting the words of the UDHR. Lesson plans are designed to encourage a progression of learning that starts with objective knowledge, moves to personal connection to both human rights concepts and issues, and then engagement to play a role in advancing UDHR principles. Grade Level: middle – high school Subject Area: social studies, language arts, drama, music
A World at Peace Source: PBS In this lesson students to brainstorm the basic rights of people everywhere, explore in basic terms the UDHR and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and then use international photography galleries as part of a multimedia creative writing assignment imagining a world at peace. Grade Level: elementary school Subject Area: social studies
The core values of HRE USA and its partner organizations include transparency and critical thinking skills. We believe that human rights--and human rights education--belong to everyone, and that the full realization of human rights means that access to human rights education materials must never be conditioned upon the subscription to any particular religious faith, ideology, political affiliation, or membership in any particular organization and that any organizational connections should be openly acknowledged. |
When you’re writing a paper on human rights, you want to pick a topic that’s relevant and compelling. It seems like our world is heading in a downwards spiral, but writing about the issues provokes action, which in turn results in change. Here are five topics that have been getting attention (or aren’t getting enough attention) in recent years. These are all important; choosing one just comes down to what speaks to you most powerfully:
Police brutality in the United States
Our eBook “ Launching Your Career in Human Rights ” is an in-depth resource designed for those committed to pursuing a career in the human rights field. It covers a wide range of topics, including the types of careers available, the necessary skills and competencies, and the educational pathways that can lead to success in this sector. Whether you’re considering a master’s degree, looking for your first job, or exploring specific human rights issues, this guide offers valuable insights and practical advice. It’s a helpful tool for anyone looking to understand the complexities of working in human rights and how to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this important work. Learn more .
Violence by American police is a major issue in the human rights arena these days and data indicates it’s getting worse. According to Killed By Police, a website that tracks police killings, 2018 has witnessed more deaths than in the last five years over the same period of time. It most likely won’t get better, as the DOJ recently ended a program that helped keep corrupt police departments in check. Black Americans are most vulnerable; in 2012, they made up 31% of police-killing victims, while only comprising 13% of the total US population.
Questions an essay could answer: Why are African-Americans and other minorities at a higher risk of police violence than white people? What has been done to undermine efforts to change the policing system? What could reduce killings by law enforcement?
Global mental health treatment
We hear a lot about how the mental health system in America is broken, but on a global scale, it’s just as much of a problem. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Not much has been done to treat this issue, though according to a World Bank study, poor mental health has a drastic effect on one’s quality of life. Most governments have very small budgets for mental health treatment. In a WHO study, around 47 countries (out of 191) do not have any kind of national legislation or policies on mental health.
Questions an essay could answer: What is the current state of mental health treatment around the world? What specific treatments exist? What effect does poor mental health have on a nation’s economy, culture, etc? Why hasn’t the United Nations taken more aggressive action?
US policy on refugees
Since President Trump took office and instituted increasingly harsh limits and action on refugees and immigration, the US has entered a dark time. Just nine months after entering office, he capped the refugee admissions number to 45,000. Other programmes have been completely eliminated, such as the Central Americans Minors programme, which let children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras join their parents who are legally in the US. Those seeking asylum have also been met with significant opposition. The biggest story, of course, is how children are being separated and interned apart from their parents. These are just a few topics that a paper about the US refugee policy could cover.
Questions an essay could answer : How has the current US refugee policy affected other countries’ opinion on America? How is this policy different than America’s stance in the past? What are the potential consequences of letting so few refugees into the country, for them and for the United States?
Transgender rights in Europe
In recent years, transgender rights have been challenged in the political arena with legislation such as the Bathroom Laws and weakened legal protection against work discrimination. What’s happening in Europe? In many countries like Belgium and Switzerland, transgender individuals were until very recently legally required to undergo sterilization and surgery before obtaining new identification papers. What provoked this change?
Questions an essay could answer: What is the history of trans rights in Europe? What countries have made the most positive moves in accepting transgender individuals? What can the United States do to follow progressive European countries into a new era?
Disability rights in America
Though somewhat ignored by the media, disability rights are under attack in America. Various pieces of legislature include deep cuts to Medicaid and removals of protections for disabled workers and students. One of the biggest blows is the Medicaid work requirement, which is currently allowed in three states. In order to receive assistance, people must meet a certain number of hours, but those with disabilities or illnesses won’t be able to. In response, Americans with disabilities are rising up in protest.
Questions an essay could answer: How are disability advocates fighting for their cause? What is the Trump administration’s response to activists? What can be done to protect those with disabilities?
About the author, human rights careers.
Human Rights Careers (HRC) provides information about online courses, jobs, paid internships, masters degrees, scholarships and other opportunities in the human rights sector and related areas.
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities.
The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , adopted by the General Assembly in 1945 and 1948, respectively. Since then, the United Nations has gradually expanded human rights law to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities and other vulnerable groups, who now possess rights that protect them from discrimination that had long been common in many societies.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Since its adoption in 1948, the UDHR has been translated into more than 500 languages - the most translated document in the world - and has inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and many new democracies. The UDHR, together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols (on the complaints procedure and on the death penalty) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol, form the so-called International Bill of Human Rights .
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entered into force in 1976. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is the body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Covenant by its States parties. Its Optional Protocol entered into force in 2013. The human rights that the Covenant seeks to promote and protect include
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its First Optional Protocol entered into force in 1976 and the Second Optional Protocol came into force in 1991. The Human Rights Committee monitors the implementation of this multilateral treaty and its Optional Protocols.
The Covenant deals with such rights as freedom of movement; equality before the law; the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; freedom of association; participation in public affairs and elections; and protection of minority rights. It prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labour; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and advocacy of racial or religious hatred.
A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since 1945 have expanded the body of international human rights law. They include the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) , the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) , the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979) , the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) , among others .
The Human Rights Council , established on 15 March 2006 by the General Assembly and reporting directly to it, replaced the 60-year-old UN Commission on Human Rights as the key UN intergovernmental body responsible for human rights. The Council is made up of 47 State representatives and is tasked with strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe by addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them, including responding to human rights emergencies
The most innovative feature of the Human Rights Council is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This unique mechanism involves a review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states once every four years. The Review is a cooperative, state-driven process, under the auspices of the Council, which provides the opportunity for each state to present measures taken and challenges to be met to improve the human rights situation in their country and to meet their international obligations
The Review is designed to ensure universality and equality of treatment for every country and takes place during the sessions of the UPR Working Group which meets three times a year. The UPR Working Group consists of the 47 members of the Council.
The Human Rights Council also has special procedures that consist of independent human rights experts who have the mandate to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. These experts are not paid and are elected for 3-year mandates that can be extended for another three years. As of November 2023, there are 46 thematic and 14 country mandates.
Since 2006, the Council has set up various investigative bodies to look into alleged violations in specific countries. These have taken the form of fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry. In addition, there is one thematic body, the Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights exercises principal responsibility for UN human rights activities. The High Commissioner is mandated to respond to serious violations of human rights and to undertake preventive action.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the focal point for United Nations human rights activities. It serves as the secretariat for the Human Rights Council, the treaty bodies (expert committees that monitor treaty compliance) and other UN human rights organs. It also undertakes human rights field activities.
Most of the core human rights treaties have an oversight body which is responsible for reviewing the implementation of that treaty by the countries that have ratified it. Individuals, whose rights have been violated can file complaints directly to Committees overseeing human rights treaties.
Human rights is a cross-cutting theme in all UN policies and programmes in the key areas of peace and security, development, humanitarian assistance, and economic and social affairs. As a result, virtually every UN body and specialized agency is involved to some degree in the protection of human rights. Some examples are the right to development , which is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals ; the right to food, championed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, labour rights , defined and protected by the International Labour Organization, gender equality, which is promulgated by UN Women, the rights of children, indigenous peoples, and disabled persons
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December.
On 10 December 2023, the UN System celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The OHCHR conducted a year-long commemoration, the Human Rights Initiative , during which 150 Member States, NGOs, businesses and UN entities made pledges on a wide range of human rights issues - from advancing women’s rights, and children’s rights, to commitments on climate change, and empowering people with disabilities to ensure legislative reforms.
The three main goals focus of the initiative were focused in universality, progress and engagement under the leadership of UN Human Rights, together with its partners. The 75th Anniversary culminated in a high-level event in December 2023 that announced global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights.
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Disability rights: Ensuring equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities. The right to privacy in the digital age: Balancing security with individual freedoms. The right to work: Addressing labor rights and fair wages. Human rights in times of crisis: The importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
Unique Human Rights Topics for Research. The collapse of the Soviet Union and Rise of Communism in Russia. Comparing the Pan-African movement to the 20 th -century cultural nationalism of Latin America. A review of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement's goals and methods.
Here are ten human rights topic ideas to explore: #1. Gender inequality. Gender inequality is an evergreen human rights topic. Because it has such a long history, we have a good idea of what works and what still needs to be done. Issues like the gender pay gap, the distribution of unpaid labor, gender-based violence, gendered job segregation ...
199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples. Human rights, the foundational pillars of a just society, go far beyond governments and cultures. In this collection of human rights research topics, explore the multifaceted dimensions of human rights, from historical struggles to contemporary debates. Try to understand the profound impact of human ...
240 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples. 26 min. Whether you're interested in exploring enduring issues, social justice, or democracy, see the ideas below. Along with human rights topics for essays and other papers, our experts have prepared writing tips for you. Table of Contents.
Here is a 200-word short sample essay on basic Human Rights. Human rights are a set of rights given to every human being regardless of their gender, caste, creed, religion, nation, location or economic status. These are said to be moral principles that illustrate certain standards of human behaviour.
List Of Basic Human Rights Topics. Discuss the violation of human rights during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Examine the violation of human rights in Crimea in 2014. Define human rights and explain their origin. Evaluate the role of World War II on human rights.
100 Human Rights Law Research Paper Topics. In the realm of human rights law, the depth and breadth of research topics are vast, reflecting the complexities of the field and its dynamic nature. This comprehensive list of human rights law research paper topics spans ten categories, each presenting ten engaging and thought-provoking subjects for ...
human rights, rights that belong to an individual or group of individuals simply for being human, or as a consequence of inherent human vulnerability, or because they are requisite to the possibility of a just society. Whatever their theoretical justification, human rights refer to a wide continuum of values or capabilities thought to enhance human agency or protect human interests and ...
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed by the UN General Assembly at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France on December 10th 1948. The declaration was eventually adopted with 48 votes for and none against (8 abstained and two did not vote).. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a defining document in history that outlines 30 articles affirming individual rights.
The ethical basis of human rights has been defined using concepts such as human flourishing, dignity, duties to family and society, natural rights, individual freedom, and social justice against exploitation based on sex, class or caste. All of these moral arguments for human rights are part of ethical discourse.
Activities: Activity 1 - Human Beings/Human Rights. Activity 2 - A Human Rights Tree. Activity 3 - Needs and Wants. Activity 4 - Human Rights Squares - More Human Rights Squares. Activity 5 - A New Planet. Activity 6 - Human Rights in the News. Activity 7 - Mapping Human Rights in Our Community. Activity 8 - Comparing Rights Documents.
This collection of social justice writing prompts introduces students to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR can serve as the course theme for a whole term or the inspiration for an individual assignment. Students can read the UDHR in both English as well as their first language.
Research papers on human rights can focus on any type of human right or a broad overview of human rights. For example, you can focus your research paper on the right to labor or do a research on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which includes 30 human rights. This article offers five tips for writing your human rights research paper with an aim to assist you to keep good organization ...
Lesson Plans - Human Rights Education. ABC: Teaching Human Rights - Practical activities for primary and secondary schools. Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. An introduction to HRE and lessons on a range of human rights topics appropriate to both pre-school, elementary and high school. Grade Level: elementary ...
assignment topics human rights class/sem: 2nd year 4th sem ll. b 1. define human rights and nature of human rights 2. origin and development of human rights in the world and in india. 3. theories of human rights 4. human right in india ancient, medieval and modern concept of rights 5. what are human rights?
Lesson plans are designed to encourage a progression of learning that starts with objective knowledge, moves to personal connection to both human rights concepts and issues, and then engagement to play a role in advancing UDHR principles. Grade Level: middle - high school Subject Area: social studies, language arts, drama, music.
Our eBook " Launching Your Career in Human Rights " is an in-depth resource designed for those committed to pursuing a career in the human rights field. It covers a wide range of topics, including the types of careers available, the necessary skills and competencies, and the educational pathways that can lead to success in this sector.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions ...
It has been more than 70 years since world leaders, driven by the desire to prevent another Holocaust, explicitly spelled out the rights everyone on the planet could expect and demand simply because they are human beings. In November 2018, the UN Human Rights Office launched a special series to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UDHR, which was adopted in Paris on 10 December 1948.
Human rights are rights we have simply because we exist as human beings - they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. They range from the most fundamental - the right to life - to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food ...
Human rights is a cross-cutting theme in all UN policies and programmes in the key areas of peace and security, development, humanitarian assistance, and economic and social affairs. As a result ...
Learn about each human rights topic, see who's involved, and find the latest news, reports, events and more. View by category. View Alphabetically. Civic space & democracy. Development & living in dignity. Equality & non-discrimination. Justice & the rule of law. Peace & security.