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Year 10

Are human rights really universal?

I can explain what human rights and human rights violations are.

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New
New
Year 10

Are human rights really universal?

I can explain what human rights and human rights violations are.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The UDHR outlines fundamental rights for all.
  2. The UDHR is not legally binding, so not all countries uphold these rights in practice.
  3. Human rights violations still exist.
  4. International organisations help to raise awarenss 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.


To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: Are human rights really universal?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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 (2025), 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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Why might taking action be harder in a non-democratic country?
citizens are more content
laws protect everyone equally
Correct answer: free speech is often limited
people do not know how to protest
Q2.
Match the type of political system to the correct example.
Correct Answer:democratic,citizens join a protest against new laws

citizens join a protest against new laws

Correct Answer:non-democratic,protesters are arrested for criticising leaders

protesters are arrested for criticising leaders

Correct Answer:absolute monarchy,the king or queen create all new laws

the king or queen create all new laws

Q3.
How are citizens' rights usually protected in a democratic country?
through protests and secret meetings
Correct answer: by laws and independent courts
by following the ruler's orders
Q4.
In many countries, the Government does not always protect citizens' rights.
Correct Answer: non-democratic, non democratic
Q5.
Which group might support citizens in non-democratic countries taking action?
courts
government
Correct answer: international organisations
the police
Q6.
In countries, people often use peaceful protests to influence change and express their views.
Correct Answer: democratic

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.
Correct Answer:human rights,basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to

basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to

Correct Answer:universal,something that applies to everyone, everywhere

something that applies to everyone, everywhere

Correct Answer:violation,an action that breaks a rule, law or someone’s rights and causes harm

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?
to issue legal sentences for human rights violators
to conduct military interventions
to guarantee human rights protection for every country
Correct answer: to review and monitor the human rights practices of Member States
Q3.
Why are international organisations important when addressing human rights violations?
They have the power to change national laws in all countries.
Correct answer: They apply pressure, raise awareness and offer support without using force.
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.
Correct Answer: Declaration
Q5.
What does ECHR stand for?
European Court of Human Rules
European Charter for Human Respect
Correct answer: European Convention on Human Rights
Equal Committee for Human Rights
Q6.
Match the international organisation to their main aim.
Correct Answer:Amnesty International,campaigns against human rights abuse

campaigns against human rights abuse

Correct Answer:UN Human Rights Council,monitors and reviews global rights

monitors and reviews global rights

Correct Answer:Human Rights Watch,investigates and reports violations

investigates and reports violations