rights & responsibilities

what are human rights?

important entitlements and freedoms that apply to everyone

what is the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR)

an international declaration setting out fundamental human rights

give three rights contained in the UDHR

seek asylum, freedom from arbitrary imprisonment, and the right to marry with the consent of both partners

what is the UN convention on the rights of the child (UNCRC)

an international agreement setting out rights and protections for children

give three rights contained in the UNCRC

having a name and a nationality, having your best interests considered, access to leisure, culture and the arts

what is the human rights act 1998

a UK law which gives effect in UK laws to rights contained in the european convention on human rights

what is the equality act 2010

a law which protects people from discrimination relating to protected characteristics

give three protected characteristics

gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity

what is discrimination

treating someone unfairly because of a characteristic or group they belong to

what is personal freedom?

the freedom to make choices about your own life, within the limits of the law and the rights of others

what rights do UK citizens get at the age of 18

the right to vote, get married, join the armed forces without parental consent, purchase tobacco and alcohol, enter into legally binding contracts e.g. loans

what is freedom of expression?

the freedom to hold opinions and express views, subject to lawful restrictions

why might the media be regulated

to prevent hate speech, protect privacy, prevent libel, reduce false or misleading stories, protect children and vulnerable groups, protect national security

what is a consumer right

a legal protection given to people when buying goods or services

give two legal responsibilities of businesses towards consumers

businesses must provide safe goods/services and describe goods and services accurately, meet food hygiene standards

what is equality of opportunity

giving people a fair chance to succeed without unfair discrimination or barriers

what does tolerance mean

accepting and respecting people who have different beliefs, identities, opinions or ways of life

what does respect for diversity mean

recognising and respecting differences between people and groups

what responsibilities do citizens have

citizens should obey the law, respect other people’s rights and participate positively in society

what rights do british citizens have

they can live and work in the UK without a visa and vote in UK general elections