Write for rights

• Engels
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Lesson objectives 

Considering those less fortunate than us. 

Make seven groups with two in each group. 

Write for rights 

"This Side of Good and Evil" 

• UDHR the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
  

1. Drawn up by the United Nations in 1948
   
2. Every country in the world has agreed to be bound by the general principles. 
   
3. It is a declaration of intent to abide by certain standard in the treatment of individual human beings. 
   
4. Since 1948 numerous other binding laws and agreements have been drawn up based on the principles.  Adapted: Amnesty International 
   

Civic space 

Civic space is a place where people can talk, meet and share ideas freely. However certain rules or actions make this space smaller, limiting these freedoms. 

1. Draw in your exercise book three concentric circles. Make a pawn from a coin or another small item. 
   
2. As you hear the actions, move your pawn to a larger or smaller circle.  Where you would stand if this action was implemented? 
   
3. If the action limits your freedom, move to a smaller circle. 
   
4. If the action expands your freedom, move to a larger circle
   

Civic space includes: 

space to hold activities such as protests, meetings, online discussions and writing letters to leader. "Shrinking civic space" refers to those in power making it harder for people to do these things. In some countries governments limit protest or make it illegal, shut down websites or arrest people for speaking up. 

The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association (coming together publicly or privately for a common purpose) 

These rights are connected. Together, these human right principles are fundamental for people to voice their opinions, share information and join together to peacefully advocate for change and take collective action. This can include peaceful protest amongst other forms. 

Read the story your group has been given.

Read the story together and discuss these questions: 

• Who is the story about? What are the main issues in this story? 
• How does this story relate to freedom of expression, human rights defenders and/or shrinking civic space? 
• Which human rights are being violated? 
• Who do you think is responsible for these human rights violations? 

Share the story on your card with the group. Answer these questions

Is there anything that surprises or shocks you? 

Are there similarities between the stories? 

Write for rights 

Each year in December Amnesty International invites people to write a letter to the individuals affected or the authorities responsible for protecting, respecting and fulfilling their human rights. It has been successful in the past. 

Article 19 of the UDHR

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers" 

Choose who you would like to write for

Choose whether you will write to the individual or to the authorities. 

Use persuasive techniques and consider including what you have learnt in your English lessons, through your engagement with literature, or in other subject classes at school. 

I will send your letter if you decide you want that to happen.