Human Rights Key Terms

Censorship

Restriction on access to ideas and information. Censorship can be conducted by governments, private institutions, and other controlling bodies.

Discrimination

Unjustifiable negative behaviour toward a group and its members. This could be in the form of racial and religious discrimination, for example.

Extremism

The holding of extreme political or religious views. This is often based on violence, hatred or intolerance.

Human rights

The basic rights to which all people are entitled to as human beings. For example, everyone has the right to freedom of religion and belief.

Personal conviction

Something a person strongly feels or believes in. This means they are convinced that something is true, regardless of the situation.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. This is often based on race, sex, and religion.

Relative poverty

Being poor to the people around you. For example, if you are middle class and surrounded by upper class people, you would be poor in comparison.

Absolute poverty

Being so poor that your basic needs are not met. This includes not having access to food, shelter, clothing and water due to poverty.

Social justice

The defence of human dignity by ensuring that essential human needs are met. It also means that essential human rights are protected for all people.