Rights & Freedom

Human rights and freedoms exist to help people live happy and fulfilled lives. They are meant for everyone – regardless of background or position in society. ‘Absolute’ rights and freedoms are ones which should never be taken away, e.g., freedom from torture. ‘Qualified’ ones, however, may be restricted to protect the rights and freedoms of others, e.g., banning a demonstration in the interests of public safety. In school, young people reflect on different types of rights and freedoms and learn ways of balancing those which conflict, e.g., by taking turns in a discussion, or queuing for a bus.