New
New
Are human rights really universal?
I can explain what human rights and human rights violations are.
Lesson 6 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
Are human rights really universal?
I can explain what human rights and human rights violations are.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UDHR outlines fundamental rights for all.
- The UDHR is not legally binding, so not all countries uphold these rights in practice.
- Human rights violations still exist.
- International organisations help to raise awareness and investigate issues of human rights violations.
Keywords
Human rights - basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
Universal - relates to everyone in the world or everyone in a particular group or society
Violation - an action that breaks a rule, law or someone’s rights, often causing harm or damage
Common misconception
Everyone across the world gets their fundamental human rights.
Human rights violations exist in many countries.
Many international organisations run human rights campaigns. Encourage pupils to explore these campaigns or get involved, such as through petitions or awareness drives. This helps them see how human rights apply in the real world and empowers them to understand that they, too, can take action.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why might taking action be harder in a non-democratic country?
Why might taking action be harder in a non-democratic country?
citizens are more content
laws protect everyone equally
people do not know how to protest
Q2.Match the type of political system to the correct example.
Match the type of political system to the correct example.
Q3.How are citizens' rights usually protected in a democratic country?
How are citizens' rights usually protected in a democratic country?
through protests and secret meetings
by following the ruler's orders
Q4.In many countries, the Government does not always protect citizens' rights.
In many countries, the Government does not always protect citizens' rights.
Q5.Which group might support citizens in non-democratic countries taking action?
Which group might support citizens in non-democratic countries taking action?
courts
government
the police
Q6.In countries, people often use peaceful protests to influence change and express their views.
In countries, people often use peaceful protests to influence change and express their views.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition.
Match the term to its definition.
Q2.Which of the following is a function of the UN Human Rights Council?
Which of the following is a function of the UN Human Rights Council?
to issue legal sentences for human rights violators
to conduct military interventions
to guarantee human rights protection for every country
Q3.Why are international organisations important when addressing human rights violations?
Why are international organisations important when addressing human rights violations?
They have the power to change national laws in all countries.
They can make laws that enforce human rights.
They only help by providing financial support to countries in need.
Q4.The UDHR stands for the Universal of Human Rights. It was created in 1948 to outline the basic rights and freedoms everyone should have.
The UDHR stands for the Universal of Human Rights. It was created in 1948 to outline the basic rights and freedoms everyone should have.
Q5.What does ECHR stand for?
What does ECHR stand for?
European Court of Human Rules
European Charter for Human Respect
Equal Committee for Human Rights
Q6.Match the international organisation to their main aim.
Match the international organisation to their main aim.
