Rights, Obligations, Duties and Responsibilities
Senior 2 · History
Rights, Obligations, Duties and Responsibilities
Lesson 1 of 5
18 min
Every day you exercise rights (going to school, practising your faith, speaking your mind) and carry out duties (obeying school rules, joining umuganda with your family, respecting others). A society works when people know both what they are entitled to and what they owe. This unit explains the difference, and why the two belong together.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Right | An entitlement a person has, which others must respect | The right to education |
| Duty | Something a person ought to do for others or the community, morally or by law | Respecting other people's property |
| Obligation | Something a person or institution is legally bound to do | A worker paying tax; the state providing courts |
| Responsibility | A task or role you are accountable for, and whose results you answer for | A class monitor keeping the register; caring for a younger sibling |
Human rights are rights every person has simply because they are human. They are:
Question: Mugisha says: "Freedom of expression means I can post anything I like online." Is he right?
He has the right to express his opinions. But that right carries a responsibility: it must not harm the rights of others. Spreading lies about a person, hate speech or genocide ideology violates others' rights to dignity and security, and in Rwanda such acts are crimes. So Mugisha is free to express his views, but not to use his freedom to harm others.
Tip
Memory hook: "I-U-I-I-E". Human rights are Inherent, Universal, Inalienable, Indivisible and Equal. And remember the rule: every right you claim is a right you must respect in others.
Distinguish a right from a duty.
Solution. A right is an entitlement you have, which others must respect. A duty is something you ought to do for others or the community.
What does "inalienable" mean?
Solution. A right cannot be taken away, except in limited cases set by law, such as a lawful sentence after a fair trial.
Classify these rights by generation: (a) the right to a fair trial; (b) the right to health care; (c) the right to a clean environment.
Solution. (a) first generation (civil and political); (b) second (economic, social and cultural); (c) third (collective).
Name a responsibility that comes with the right to education.
Solution. For example, attending school regularly, doing your work honestly, and respecting teachers, classmates and school property.
Remember
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