Fundamental Human Rights JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note

SUB-TOPIC:         RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 

FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

MEANING OF RIGHT

A right is a statement showing the following

1.     A natural due
2.     A moral claim
3.    A legal entitlement.

Rights can also be called freedoms and benefits that are guaranteed to people by law.

 DEFINITION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

   The fundamental rights of every Nigerian person are the legal entitlements of each one of us. They are the rights that are written in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chapter IV Sections 33-43, pages 18-26. These include:

1. Right to life: no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life.
2. Right to dignity of human person: No one shall for instance be subjected to inhuman treatment.
3. Right to fair hearing: Every human person is entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law without partiality.
4. Right to private and family life: The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, and telephone conversation is guaranteed and protected.
5. Right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
6. Right to freedom of expression and the press.
7. Right to peaceful assembly and association.
8. Right to freedom of movement.
9. Right to freedom from discrimination: no citizen of Nigeria is expected to be discriminated against by sex, religion, or political opinion.
10. Right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.

 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CHILD’S RIGHT

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20th of November, 1989.

The following are the basic principles of a child’s rights.

1. Every child has the right to life and be allowed to survive and develop.
2. Every child is entitled to a name, family, and nationality.
3. Every child has the right to express opinions and freely communicate them on any issues subject to restriction under the law.
4. Every child is entitled to adequate rest, and recreation (leisure and play) according to his/her age and culture.
5. Every child is entitled to receive compulsory basic education.
6. Every child is entitled to good health, protection from illness, and proper medical attention.
7. Every child must be protected from indecent and inhuman treatment through sexual exploitation, drug abuse, child labour, torture, maltreatment, and neglect.

 Evaluation:

1. What is a human right?
2. State the fundamental rights of every Nigerian person
3. Mention five rights of a Nigerian child

Assignment:

Explain ways in which someone’s rights can be violated.