Understanding Human Rights:Understanding Human Rights:Concepts and DebatesConcepts and Debates

UNIT ONEUNIT ONE GLOBAL CLASSROOMS®GLOBAL CLASSROOMS®

HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT

What What areare human rights? human rights?

Defining Human RightsDefining Human Rights

Human Rights consist of…Human Rights consist of…

• Civil and political rights ANDCivil and political rights AND

• Social, cultural and economic rightsSocial, cultural and economic rights

• These rights are indivisible These rights are indivisible

Defining Human RightsDefining Human Rights

Human Rights can be…Human Rights can be…

• Positive Positive (requiring action from (requiring action from government) ORgovernment) OR

• NegativeNegative (requiring government to (requiring government to refrain from violations)refrain from violations)

Universal Declaration of Human RightsUniversal Declaration of Human Rights• Adopted by the UN

General Assembly December 10, 1948

• The GA then called on all countries to publicize and distribute the text of the Declaration, especially in schools

• Eleanor Roosevelt was a major proponent

Poster project• Obtain an article• Front: title and visual display of the human right

(include article number)• Back: Must be typed

– Categorize and explain (may overlap)• Fundamental: value and dignity of human life• Political/civil• Social/economic

– Are there nations where these rights are denied?– Are there people in these nations that might object to

some of these rights?• Are there legitimate objections?

DiscussionDiscussion• Should the Universal Declaration of Human Should the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights contain both positive and negative Rights contain both positive and negative rights? rights?

• Is it the responsibility of countries to uphold Is it the responsibility of countries to uphold both positive and negative rights?both positive and negative rights?

• The United States is currently in a debate The United States is currently in a debate about whether or not everyone should have a about whether or not everyone should have a right to health insurance. Is this a positive or right to health insurance. Is this a positive or negative right? What is your opinion on this negative right? What is your opinion on this issue?issue?

Share your Mini-EssayShare your Mini-EssayHow can art and media, such as photography, work as a How can art and media, such as photography, work as a

tool to protect human rights?tool to protect human rights?

HUMAN rights video and questions

Culture and Human Rights:Culture and Human Rights:The French Headscarves BanThe French Headscarves Ban

UNIT ONE: CASE STUDYUNIT ONE: CASE STUDY GLOBAL CLASSROOMS®GLOBAL CLASSROOMS®

HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT

Short Film: French Headscarves BanShort Film: French Headscarves Ban

““By banning the headscarf By banning the headscarf from schools, France hopes from schools, France hopes to protect its fiercely won to protect its fiercely won secular identity. But will this secular identity. But will this move backfire, further move backfire, further radicalizing an already radicalizing an already marginalized community?”marginalized community?”

The French Headscarves Ban:The French Headscarves Ban:Understanding the ControversyUnderstanding the Controversy

French Government and Proponents of Ban

Muslim Families and Opponents to Ban

Pro/con Headscarves issuePro/con Headscarves issueBring in evidence and examples Bring in evidence and examples

from the headscarves case study from the headscarves case study to support or refute the resolutionto support or refute the resolution

Prep format speech:Prep format speech:

1.1. Learn about speaking procedure. Learn about speaking procedure.

2.2. Prepare your opening speech. Prepare your opening speech.

3.3. Prepare to speak during debate.Prepare to speak during debate.

4.4. Calm your nerves by preparing Calm your nerves by preparing thoroughly.thoroughly.

5.5. Practice, practice, practice. Practice, practice, practice.

Public Speaking for Model UNPublic Speaking for Model UN

Public Speaking for Model UNPublic Speaking for Model UN

6.6. Pace Yourself. Try not to talk too fast Pace Yourself. Try not to talk too fast or too slow. or too slow.

7.7. Choose a powerful tone and posture. Choose a powerful tone and posture.

8.8. Connect with your audience. Make eye Connect with your audience. Make eye contact!contact!

9.9. Get to the point: Speak concisely. Get to the point: Speak concisely.

10.10. Be positive: Practice constructive Be positive: Practice constructive criticism. criticism.

Questions pertaining to your assigned country.

• 1. What are predominant religions in your country? How are minority religions treated?• 2. What do human rights monitoring groups say about your countries religious tolerance?• 3. Does your country separate religion from government?• 4. According to your country, what are the worst cases of religious intolerance occurring in

the world today?• 5. What treaties has your government signed or ratifies regarding religious intolerance?• 6. What programs can your country suggest to help rebuild respect for religion around the

world? How can the UN stop state-sponsored religious intolerance? Should some countries be pressured to change their government if their policies are too restrictive?

• Sources for research: • http://crf.hudson.org/• www.ohchr.org• http://hrw.org/doc?t=religion• www.un.org/documents/ga/res/36/a36r055.htm• www.un.org/documents/ga/res/48/a48r128.htm