Big Question: Who creates change? How can we make change?
8.1 Explain the rights of every person in Belize as outlined in Part II of the Constitution of Belize.
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Click on the image above for a complete list of our Fundamental Rights and Freedoms as outlined in the Constitution.
"Whereas every person in Belize is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely:" (adapted from Belize's Constitution)
Human rights are universal legal guarantees or entitlements (to be, to do or to have) simply by the fact of being human, that are intended to protect you against people who might want to harm or hurt you.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was brought into effect in 1948 after WW2. Human rights are important because they oblige governments to do certain things and prevents them from doing others. These obligations and limitations are outlined in our constitution.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was brought into effect in 1948 after WW2. Human rights are important because they oblige governments to do certain things and prevents them from doing others. These obligations and limitations are outlined in our constitution.
8.2 Discuss how some people’s enjoyment of their rights can be impacted by attributes such as the their skin colour, ethnicity, gender, level of education, health status, disabilities that they are living with, and financial situation.
STRONGER SOLIDARITY means that we should care about others we don't know simply by virtue of them being HUMAN! We should relish their joy, mourn their sorrow, acknowledge their pain and champion their struggles. Our rights are their rights too!
Unfortunately, our differences, whether perceived or real, are creating a rift in our ability to exercise our humanity towards each other. We are no longer connected to one another and with our own privileges, we have flaunted exercising our rights at the expense of others. Think of the time you laughed at a disabled person struggling to do something 'normal'? Think of the time you mocked a homeless person with food or material possessions? Think of the time you laughed at a male who braids hair or guffawed at a female body builder or cyclist? Think of the time you teased a classmate for their 'fake' material possessions? Think of the time you openly smirked at someone struggling to read?
Think about this: How can a person’s gender, level of education, health status, disabilities they are living with, and financial situation impact a person’s ability to enjoy their rights?
Click on the image to watch the video and answer the questions below.
- Whose rights are the police protecting?
- Do you think Southside residents are being 'targeted'? Give a reason for your answer.
- Should citizens be asked to forego their rights during a 'state of emergency'? Which rights do we suggest we forego during a state of emergency? Give a reason for your answer.
- Design a flow chart showing how a state of emergency denies citizens their rights.
8.3 Explore the actions an individual or group can take, or have taken, to protect their own rights or those of others.
Click on the image to watch the video and answer the questions below.
- Whose rights are the police protecting?
- How were the detainee's rights violated?
- What avenues can he use to seek redress?
- Do you think he was being discriminated against? On what grounds and in what way?
- How can citizens show stronger solidarity with others whose rights have been violated?
As citizens of Belize, we are automatically entitled to all rights and privileges outlined in our constitutions. Children, as a vulnerable group, became beneficiaries of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, when our government ratified the document in 1990. Like the Constitution, this allows for legal recourse in the case of human right violations.
Of recent, the U.S. State Department issued its annual country report on Human Rights practices in Belize that has caused some alarm on the human right violations highlighted. We must always remember that a threat to one's rights anywhere, is a threat to one's rights EVERYWHERE!
Of recent, the U.S. State Department issued its annual country report on Human Rights practices in Belize that has caused some alarm on the human right violations highlighted. We must always remember that a threat to one's rights anywhere, is a threat to one's rights EVERYWHERE!
Below are some examples of actions individuals and groups have taken to protect their own rights and those of others. Identify the avenues they have chosen to seek redress for the violation of their rights.
8.4 Investigate the life, characteristics and reasons for effectiveness of a selected leader from the local community, for example someone who has acted to protect or strengthen people’s rights.
A 'bembe' was who she was!
Click on the link below to find out more about Belize's FIRST female nationalist!
Click on the link below to find out more about Belize's FIRST female nationalist!
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How would you describe Elfreda's life? How would you rate the strategies she used to effect change? Give reasons for your answer. If Elfreda was living in Belize today, what actions can she take to effect meaningful change? Give reasons for your answer. Do you think Elfreda Reyes should be a national hero? Give reasons for your answer. |
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8.5 Discuss the characteristics of strong and effective leaders.
Download the 'Bembe Vision' file and investigate the life of a female leader who resonates with you! Make special reference to the importance of their work to our daily lives. Follow the link to the other case studies for more on leaders past and present, who paved the way for human rights in our country and region.
What characteristics do these individuals embody that make them strong and effective leaders? Are leaders born or made? Give reasons for your answers.
What characteristics do these individuals embody that make them strong and effective leaders? Are leaders born or made? Give reasons for your answers.
| bembe_vision.pdf |
