FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS Lesson Note
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE
This SS2 CITIZENSHIP & HERITAGE lesson note covers FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS for First Term, Week 5.
Lesson Note
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE
At the end of the class, student should be able to:
1. Define human rights
2. State the fundamental human rights
CONTENT
MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to enjoy simply because they are human. These rights are meant to protect the dignity, freedom, equality and well-being of individuals.
Fundamental human rights are basic rights recognized and protected by the constitution of a country. In Nigeria, these rights are mainly contained in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They are called fundamental because they are essential to the dignity and proper development of every individual.
Examples of Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria
1. Right to Life – Every person has the right to life and should not be unlawfully deprived of it.
2. Right to Dignity of Human Person – Nobody should be subjected to torture, slavery or degrading treatment.
3. Right to Personal Liberty – A person should not be unlawfully arrested or detained.
4. Right to Fair Hearing – Every person accused of an offence has the right to a fair and impartial hearing.
5. Right to Privacy and Family Life – Individuals have the right to privacy in their homes, correspondence and personal lives.
6. Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion – People have the freedom to hold and practise their beliefs, subject to the law.
7. Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press – Individuals have the right to express their opinions and receive and share information within the law.
8. Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association – People may meet peacefully and belong to lawful associations.
9. Right to Freedom of Movement – Citizens have the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part of the country.
10. Right to Freedom from Discrimination – A person should not be discriminated against on grounds such as ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion.
IMPORTANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
Fundamental human rights are important because they:
1. Protect the dignity of individuals.
2. Promote equality and justice.
3. Prevent abuse of power by government and other authorities.
4. Encourage democracy and good governance.
5. Promote peace and social stability.
6. Allow individuals to develop their abilities freely.
7. Protect citizens from unlawful arrest, discrimination and oppression.
8. Encourage citizens to participate in public affairs.
9. Promote respect for the rule of law.
LIMITATIONS TO FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
Fundamental rights are important, but they are not always absolute. The law may place reasonable restrictions on some rights when necessary to protect the rights of others, public safety, public order, public health or national security.
For example, freedom of movement may be restricted in certain lawful circumstances, such as where a court order or law permits it.
DUTIES OF CITIZENS IN PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS
Citizens should:
1. Respect the rights of other people.
2. Obey the laws of the country.
3. Report human-rights violations to appropriate authorities.
4. Avoid discrimination and oppression.
5. Participate responsibly in democratic activities.
6. Support justice and equality.
7. Seek lawful remedies when their rights are violated.
CONCLUSION
Fundamental human rights are essential for a free, peaceful and democratic society. Every citizen should understand these rights, enjoy them responsibly and respect the rights of others. Government and its institutions also have a responsibility to protect these rights according to the law.
Evaluation
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Fundamental human rights are rights that belong to every person because of their ____. A. wealth
B. position
C. humanity
D. occupation
2. Which of the following is a fundamental human right? A. Right to life
B. Right to steal
C. Right to cheat
D. Right to destroy property
3. The right to freedom of expression allows a citizen to ____. A. say anything without responsibility
B. express lawful opinions
C. insult everyone
D. disobey the law
4. Which right protects an individual from unlawful arrest and detention? A. Right to education
B. Right to personal liberty
C. Right to vote
D. Right to property
5. Freedom of religion means that a person has the right to ____. A. force others to accept their religion
B. choose and practise a religion
C. prevent others from worshipping
D. reject all laws
6. The right to a fair hearing ensures that a person ____. A. is judged without evidence
B. has an opportunity to defend themselves
C. must always win a case
D. cannot be taken to court
7. Which of the following is NOT a fundamental human right? A. Right to life
B. Right to dignity
C. Right to freedom of movement
D. Right to commit crime
8. Freedom of movement gives citizens the right to ____. A. move freely within the country, subject to lawful restrictions
B. enter any private property
C. cross every international border without permission
D. ignore immigration laws
9. Fundamental human rights are protected in Nigeria mainly through the ____. A. Constitution
B. school timetable
C. newspaper
D. political party
10. One major importance of fundamental human rights is that they ____. A. encourage dictatorship
B. protect human dignity and freedom
C. promote discrimination
D. encourage lawlessness
Theory Questions
1a. What are fundamental human rights?
1b. Mention five fundamental human rights enjoyed by citizens in Nigeria.
2a. Explain four importance of fundamental human rights.
2b. State four ways in which fundamental human rights can be violated.
2c. Mention four ways of protecting and promoting fundamental human rights in Nigeria.