Section outline



  • Human Rights 101. Toolkit | Thirteen/WNET
    HUMAN RIGHTS 101


    Lesson Overview

    In this lesson, we will explore the concept of  human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).  Learning activities include a warm up discussion to check existing knowledge of human rights, “Human Rights” bingo, source-based questions, videos, and links to maps and inspiring stories of progress made on the 74th anniversary of the UDHR. The culminating task is a summarizing paragraph.





    Guiding Questions

    • What are human rights?

    • What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?

    • 74 years since the adoption of the UDHR, how much progress has been made when it comes to advancing human rights? Where have we fallen short?


    Learning Objectives

    After this lesson, you will be able to:

    • Define human rights.

    • Explain the history of the rights, the UN and the UDHR.

    • Explain where and how human rights have advanced and where progress remains. 


    Instructions: 

    • Together, we will read, watch and discuss the following quote and short video clip.



    According to Facing History and Ourselves:


    Facing History Article


    The horrors of World War II reinforced the demands of early twentieth century internationalists to establish a global bill of human rights that would obligate "every state to recognise the equal right of every individual on its territory to life, liberty and property, religious freedom and the use of his own language." This idea was echoed in the stated aims of the newly formed United Nations in 1945.


    1. What do you know about the horrors of WWII and how they led to the creation of the United Nations and to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

    1. What do you know about human rights?

    1. What comes to mind when you hear the word dignity? What is the opposite of dignity?

    1. What comes to mind when you hear the word justice? What is the opposite of justice?

    1. Together we will watch a short video and define human rights.