Human Rights Education Worksheet
Human Rights Education Worksheet
The primary values that underpin the concept of human rights in the LLLP program are dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence. These values are emphasized to highlight the moral foundation of human rights deemed essential for life in a fair society and why these rights are protected by law .
The LLLP program's exploration of sexual violence within the context of human rights may challenge participants' preconceptions by framing such violence as pervasive violations of fundamental rights. By linking personal experiences of sexual violence to broader human rights violations, the program highlights its seriousness and systemic nature. This can challenge and expand traditional views that might see sexual violence as isolated incidents. Furthermore, engaging with legal documents and the discourse on affected rights confronts participants with the idea that sexual violence is not just a personal or relational issue but a societal and legal one, requiring a collective, informed response to uphold justice and equality .
The LLLP program discusses legal instruments like the Human Rights Act 1998 that protect human rights generally and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) specifically for children's rights. By introducing these legal instruments, the program provides a framework that defines and protects these rights at both national and international levels .
Discussion and reflection on participation rights in the LLLP program, especially regarding Article 12 of the UNCRC, can significantly influence participants' engagement with social advocacy. Understanding these rights empowers participants to recognize their own voices and the importance of being heard in decisions affecting them. This awareness fosters an increased confidence in engaging with advocacy activities as participants may feel more entitled and motivated to effect change. Recognizing the importance of participation can shift attitudes towards becoming more active citizens, advocating not only for their rights but also for those of underrepresented groups, thereby strengthening democratic processes and social justice initiatives .
The LLLP program aims to differentiate human rights from wants or needs by engaging participants in discussions that help them explore and understand the distinction between inherent rights and personal desires. The program encourages the identification of rights as universal, inalienable, and legally protected principles, whereas wants or needs are personal and subjective. The definition provided highlights that human rights belong to every individual and are based on values like dignity, fairness, equality, and respect .
The LLLP program uses the 'Power walk' exercise to facilitate understanding of inclusion and equality. Participants assume characters and respond to statements by moving forward based on their character's ability to say 'yes,' 'maybe,' or 'no' to the statements. This physical demonstration of movement or lack thereof helps participants experience feelings of being included or excluded and encourages reflection on societal positions and equality .
The LLLP program recommends several resources for studying human rights including a Human Rights information booklet available at www.un.org/en/udhrbook/pdf/udhr_booklet_en_web.pdf, and a child-friendly version of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child available at www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf .
The LLLP program links human rights to the issue of sexual violence by discussing how sexual violence represents a fundamental violation of multiple human rights. It asks participants to consider which rights would be restricted or undermined by sexual violence and encourages reflections on the legal and personal consequences of such acts. The program references documents like the UNCRC to provide a legal context to these rights .
The Power walk exercise cultivates empathy and understanding by placing participants in hypothetical scenarios where they must assume the identities of diverse characters. As they move according to their character's responses to questions, participants can physically feel constraints or privileges. This experience promotes a deeper emotional understanding of issues like social inclusion, exclusion, and inequality, which are integral to human rights. It allows participants to empathize with others' situations and fosters discussions on systemic barriers impacting individuals differently .
The LLLP program's approach to human rights education, through exercises like discussions and the Power walk, can significantly impact participants' views on legal and social justice issues by fostering a deeper understanding of systemic inequalities and the legal frameworks that exist to address them. By engaging with the principles of human rights and experiencing the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, participants are likely to develop a more nuanced perspective on how laws and social policies affect different groups. This can lead to increased advocacy for justice and equality, as participants might be more empathetic and motivated to challenge violations of rights .