Children's Rights
Theme: My rights and responsibilities.
To understand, appreciate and adhere to human rights principles in our daily lives.
Key terms
A child, one below the age of eighteen (18).
Human rights, rights possessed by all people by virtue of being human to enjoy a life of freedom and dignity.
Rights holder, individuals who possess a certain right (children's rights are held by children).
Claim holder, an individual with the legal right to demand something; can demand protection, respect and promotion of their rights from duty bearers when those rights are violated.
Duty bearers, Police, teachers, guardians, parents, government officials, tasked by law with ensuring the rights holder enjoys their rights.
The Children Act Cap 59, the Ugandan law stating the rights of all children and what will happen when these rights are violated.
"People and Things" activity
1. Evenly distribute participants, try 10 boys with 5 in each group.
2. One group acts as people, the other as things. Things do not have feelings and are used however people want.
3. Let the 'people' group order the 'things' group to do whatever they want (nothing harmful, violent, or degrading).
4. After a few minutes, swap roles.
5. Ask the boys to share what it felt like to be in each group.
6. Share how important it is to always treat everyone equally, that is the importance of respecting each other's rights.
Main features of human rights
Fundamental, needed by all individuals to survive, develop and contribute.
Inherent, every individual has human rights by virtue of being human.
Inalienable, cannot be taken away by the state under any condition.
Universal, every human being is entitled regardless of sex, gender, race, tribe, religion, disability or status.
Indivisible, closely connected to each other.
Children's entitlements include: a right to a family; a right to a name/identity; a right to education; a right to medical care; a right to equal treatment; a right to protection from abuse, exploitation and violence (including child marriage and child employment/labour).
Rights come with responsibilities
Responsibility is when you have the duty to do something. As children we have to be responsible so we enjoy our rights.
Right to basic education → report to school, attend classes, consult teachers.
Right to an identity/family/name → protect your name; respond to your name; protect your family name; love your family.
Right to shelter → keep the home clean; protect it from strangers.
Right to good medical care → speak out when unwell; take medication as required.
Right to freedom of worship → worship without inconveniencing others.
Right to freedom of speech → do not hurt others with your words; respect others with your words.
Activity, Human Rights Tree
In small groups, draw a tree on a large chart paper.
On the tree (leaves, fruits, flowers, branches) write the human rights all children need to live in dignity and justice.
A tree needs roots to grow. Label the roots with the things that make human rights flourish, a loving family, peace, education.
Each group presents its tree and explains why it included each item.
- Children are entitled to children's rights as human beings.
- Children's rights do not differ because of race, tribe, ethnicity, religion or language.
- Children's rights come hand in hand with the responsibilities we ought to maintain.