Civics & Citizenship · Year 7 · Rights, Responsibilities, and Identity · Term 4

Understanding Human Rights

Students will be introduced to the concept of human rights and why they are important for everyone.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9C7K05

About This Topic

Human rights in Australia are protected through a combination of the Constitution, acts of Parliament (legislation), and the 'common law' developed by judges. This topic introduces students to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and how these international standards are applied locally. Students explore specific examples, such as the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection from discrimination. This aligns with AC9C7K05.

Understanding human rights is vital for students to recognize when people are being treated unfairly and to understand the legal protections available to them. They also learn that rights often come with limits, for example, your freedom of speech does not give you the right to incite violence. This topic encourages critical thinking about the balance between individual liberty and the safety of the whole community.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of real-life 'rights in conflict' scenarios.

Key Questions

1. Define what human rights are in simple terms.
2. Identify some basic human rights that all people should have.
3. Discuss why human rights are important for a fair society.

Learning Objectives

• Define human rights using clear, simple language.
• Identify at least three fundamental human rights applicable to all individuals.
• Explain why human rights are essential for establishing a just and equitable society.
• Analyze a given scenario to determine if human rights are being upheld or violated.

Before You Start

What is a Society?

Why: Students need a basic understanding of what a society is to discuss how human rights contribute to its fairness.

Rules and Laws

Why: Understanding the purpose of rules and laws in governing behavior is foundational to grasping the concept of rights and protections.

Key Vocabulary

Human Rights	Basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to, regardless of their background, nationality, or any other status. These rights are universal and inalienable.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)	An international document adopted by the United Nations that outlines the fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It serves as a common standard for all nations.
Inalienable Rights	Rights that cannot be taken away, surrendered, or transferred. They are inherent to all human beings from birth.
Discrimination	The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability. Human rights aim to prevent this.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Australia has a Bill of Rights like the USA.

What to Teach Instead

Australia is the only Western democracy without a formal Bill of Rights in its Constitution. Using a 'treasure hunt' through the Constitution helps students see what is (and isn't) actually written there.

Common Misconception

Human rights mean you can do whatever you want.

What to Teach Instead

Rights are balanced against the rights of others and the needs of society. A 'balancing scales' activity can help students visualize how rights are limited by laws.

Active Learning Ideas

Think-Pair-Share: Rights in Conflict

Present a scenario like 'The right to privacy vs. the right to safety (e.g., security cameras in schools)'. Students discuss in pairs which right should 'win' and why, then share their reasoning with the class.

25 min·Pairs

Gallery Walk: The UDHR in Australia

Post various articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students move around and find an Australian law or event that relates to each right (e.g., the Racial Discrimination Act).

40 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: Does Australia need a Bill of Rights?

In small groups, students research countries that have a Bill of Rights (like the US) and compare them to Australia. They create a 'Pro/Con' list for Australia adopting a formal Bill of Rights.

50 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• The Australian Human Rights Commission investigates complaints about discrimination and breaches of human rights. For example, they might investigate a case where someone was denied a job due to their age.
• International aid organizations, like UNICEF, work globally to protect children's rights, ensuring access to education and healthcare, which are considered fundamental human rights.
• Legal aid services in Australia provide assistance to individuals who cannot afford legal representation, helping them access fair trials and other legal protections guaranteed by human rights.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

On a slip of paper, ask students to write: 1. One sentence defining human rights in their own words. 2. One example of a human right they believe is important and why.

Discussion Prompt

Present a short, age-appropriate scenario (e.g., a student being excluded from a game unfairly). Ask: 'What human right might be affected in this situation? How could this situation be made fairer?' Facilitate a brief class discussion.

Quick Check

Display a list of basic rights (e.g., right to food, right to play, right to speak, right to be ignored). Ask students to circle the ones they think are human rights and put a star next to one they think is most important for a fair society, explaining their choice briefly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are human rights protected in Australia?

Australia protects rights through the Constitution (which has a few specific rights), laws passed by Parliament (like the Sex Discrimination Act), and 'common law' (decisions made by judges over time). We also follow international treaties we have signed.

Does Australia have freedom of speech?

Australia does not have an absolute right to free speech in the Constitution. However, the High Court has ruled that there is an 'implied freedom of political communication' so that our democracy can function properly.

What is the Australian Human Rights Commission?

It is an independent national body that investigates complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches. It also works to educate the public and advise the government on how to better protect everyone's rights.

How can active learning help students understand human rights?

Case study analysis and debates on 'rights in conflict' are highly effective. When students have to defend a specific right against a competing social need, they learn that rights are not just slogans but complex legal and ethical tools.