Basic Human Rights

1What is a right?

It is 10 December. At morning assembly, the head teacher says, "Today is Human Rights Day." Ishimwe whispers to Gatete, "What is a right?" Gatete shrugs. "Maybe it's the opposite of left?"

Not quite! In this lesson you will find out what a right is, and why every person on Earth has the same basic rights.

2The meaning of human rights

Human rights are the rights and freedoms that every person should have, just because they are a human being. They belong to everyone: young or old, girl or boy, rich or poor, of any religion, from any country, with or without a disability. Nobody has to earn them, and nobody should take them away.

3A promise made by the whole world

On 10 December 1948, the countries of the United Nations agreed on a list of human rights called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has 30 parts, called articles. That is why Human Rights Day is on 10 December every year.

4Some basic human rights

• The right to life, and to live in freedom and safety.
• The right to be treated equally, without discrimination.
• The right to be safe from violence and cruel treatment.
• The right to education.
• The right to health care, food, clothing and a home.
• The right to a nationality: to belong to a country.
• The right to believe and to practise your religion.
• The right to speak freely and share your ideas peacefully.
• The right to rest and free time.

In Rwanda, the Constitution, the country's highest law, protects these rights.

5Rights come with responsibilities

A responsibility is something you should do. Every right you have comes with a duty to respect the same right for others.

Try it yourself