Human Rights and Peace in the Society
Senior 1 · Religion and Ethics
Human Rights and Peace in the Society
Lesson 4 of 5
18 min
Knowing about human rights is not enough; they must be protected every day, at home, at school and in the community. Christianity and Islam both call believers to speak up for people who are treated unjustly. In this lesson you will learn how individuals, families, schools, religious communities and the state can promote respect for human rights.
In Christianity. "Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8–9). The mute are people who cannot speak for themselves. Jesus taught that caring for people in need is caring for him: "I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in." (Matthew 25:35), and "because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)
In Islam. The Qur'an says: "… help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression" (Qur'an 5:2). Pious duty means duty to God. Muslims are also to treat people of other faiths fairly: "Allah forbiddeth you not those who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from your homes, that ye should show them kindness and deal justly with them." (Qur'an 60:8). The Prophet Muhammad taught that whoever sees a wrong should change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then at least hate it in his heart (reported by Muslim).
| Who | What they can do |
|---|---|
| You, the individual | treat everyone with respect; refuse to insult, bully or discriminate; tell the truth; report abuse to a trusted adult or to the authorities |
| The family | care for children without violence; send girls and boys to school equally; share work fairly |
| The school | teach about rights and responsibilities; run clubs such as human rights or anti-GBV clubs; protect students from bullying and abuse |
| Religious communities | preach respect for every person; support victims and the poor; bring people of different faiths together for peace |
| The state | make and enforce just laws; run fair courts; protect rights through bodies such as the National Commission for Human Rights; investigate crimes through the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) |
| Media | report truthfully; expose abuses; never spread hate speech |
In Rwanda, victims of gender-based violence and child abuse can find medical, legal and emotional help in one place at an Isange One Stop Centre.
Question: Suggest three ways in which religious communities can promote respect for human rights. (3 marks)
Model answer: (1) Preaching that every person is created and honoured by God, so nobody may be abused or discriminated against (1 mark). (2) Supporting victims, the poor, orphans and widows in practical ways, as Matthew 25:35 and Qur'an 90:13–15 teach (1 mark). (3) Bringing Christians and Muslims together to work for peace, as Qur'an 60:8 encourages kindness and justice towards people of other faiths (1 mark).
Tip
Memory hook: I-F-S-R-S-M. Rights are promoted by the Individual, the Family, the School, Religious communities, the State and the Media. In an exam, give one concrete action for each group you name.
Give two things a student can do to promote human rights at school.
Answer (any two): respect all classmates; refuse to bully or insult; include students who are left out; report abuse to a teacher; join a human rights club.
What does Proverbs 31:8 ask believers to do?
Answer: to speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves and for all who are left desolate.
What does the Prophet Muhammad teach a Muslim to do when he sees a wrong?
Answer: change it with his hand if he can; if not, with his tongue (by speaking out); and if not, at least hate it in his heart.
Where in Rwanda can a victim of gender-based violence get medical, legal and emotional help in one place?
Answer: at an Isange One Stop Centre.
Umutoni sees a younger pupil being beaten by older students every day. What should she do, according to the teaching of both faiths?
Model answer: she should not stay silent. She should report it to a teacher or another trusted adult, and support the younger pupil. The Bible says "Open your mouth for the mute" (Proverbs 31:8), and the Prophet taught that believers should change a wrong with their hand or tongue.
Remember
Sources and credits
