Are human rights really universal?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what human rights and human rights violations are.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
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 violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why might taking action be harder in a non-democratic country?
Q2.Match the type of political system to the correct example.
citizens join a protest against new laws
protesters are arrested for criticising leaders
the king or queen create all new laws
Q3.How are citizens' rights usually protected in a democratic country?
Q4.In many countries, the Government does not always protect citizens' rights.
Q5.Which group might support citizens in non-democratic countries taking action?
Q6.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.
basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to
something that applies to everyone, everywhere
an action that breaks a rule, law or someone’s rights and causes harm
Q2.Which of the following is a function of the UN Human Rights Council?
Q3.Why are international organisations important when addressing human rights violations?
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.
Q5.What does ECHR stand for?
Q6.Match the international organisation to their main aim.
campaigns against human rights abuse
monitors and reviews global rights
investigates and reports violations
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: Are human rights really universal?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: Are human rights really universal?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How do democratic systems work around the world? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.