Song::We've All Got Rights

If U-N-I-T-E-D, the world would be a better place.

As ink pours from pen, pain pours from my heart

Knowing there’s kids somewhere that actually starve.

Take the time out, close your eyes and just picture this;

No color, no hate, nemesis, or differences.

TV is filling me with scenes of negativity

But we can control it if we can cooperate willingly,

We came a long way, but we got so much further to go.

Guns kill, but hatred destroys us the most.

And the problem could never be solved you see,

Human Rights, define the word — EQUALITY

If we don’t respect and love each other, we’re just livin’ a lie

Because UNITED starts with you and I

You feel me?

Chorus:

U-N-I-T-E-D

A better place this world would be

We’re all in this game, can’t you see?

We’re all a part of this family tree

Chorus repeats

Lai Lai’s Rap
We are born free and equal

Free to walk

And free to talk

Free to dance

Free to jump and free to prance.

Know what I’m sayin’?

Got to keep it together

No matter how bad the weather

It will be alright

Keep it tight

’cause we all got our freedom rights

Every day from the night

To the broad daylight

Don’t discriminate

Learn to appreciate

So you don’t hafta imitate

Don’t be the one to hate

It’s never too late

You got the right to life

Innocent ’til proven guilty

You can say what you like

You got the right to education

So don’t throw it away

Know your human rights

’cause it could help you some day

Malala Yousafzai--Women Rights Fighter

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani school pupil and spokesperson for women’s right to education. In retaliation for her high profile campaign for education and criticism of the Taliban, she was shot in the head at close range by a Taliban gunman. She survived the gunshot wound and has become a leading spokesperson for human rights, education and women’s rights. She has received numerous peace awards, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 along with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian children’s rights activist.

Early Life Malala

Malala was born (12 July 1997) in Mingora, the Swat District of north west Pakistan to a Sunni Muslim family. She was named Malala, which means ‘grief stricken’ after a famous female Pashun poet and warrior from Afghanistan.

Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai is a poet, and runs a chain of public schools. He is a leading educational advocate himself. In 2009, she began writing an anonymous blog for the BBC expressing her views on education and life under the threat of the Taliban taking over her valley. It was her father who suggested his own daughter to the BBC. She wrote under the byline “Gul Makai”

During this period, the Taliban’s military hold on the area intensified. At times, Malala reported hearing artillery from the advancing Taliban forces. As the Taliban took control of the area they issued edicts banning television, banning music, and banning women from going shopping and limiting women’s education. Many girls schools were blown up and as a consequence pupils stayed at home, scared of possible reprisals from the Taliban. However, for a time, there was a brief respite when the Taliban stated girls could receive primary education, if they wore Burkhas. But, a climate of fear prevailed and Malala and her father began to receive death threats for their outspoken views. As a consequence, Malala and her father began to fear for their safety. Her father once considered moving Malala outside of Swat to a boarding school, but Malala didn’t want to move.

” I don’t know why, but hearing I was being targeted did not worry me. It seemed to me that everybody knows they will die one day.” I am Malala p.188

When her father suggested they stop their campaigns for human rights, Malala replied

“How can we do that? You were the one who said that if we believe in something greater than our lives, then our voices will only multiply ever if we are dead. We can’t disown our campaign!’ I am Malala p.188

People were asking me to speak at events. How could I refuse saying there was a security problem? We couldn’t do that, especially not as proud Pashtuns. My father always said that heroism is in the Pastun DNA. I am Malala p.180

After the BBC blog ended, Malala featured in a documentary made by New York Times reporter Adam B.Ellick. She also received greater international coverage and her identity about writing the BBC blog was revealed. In 2011, she received Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize and she was nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her increased profile and strident criticism of the Taliban caused Taliban leaders to meet, and in 2012, they voted to kill her.

On 9 October, 2012, a masked gunman entered her school bus and asked “Which one of you is Malala? Speak up, otherwise I will shoot at you all.”

Malala was identified and she was shot with a single bullet which went through her head, neck and shoulder. Two other girls were also injured, though not as badly as Malala.

Malala survived the initial shooting, but was in a critical condition. Her father was convinced she would die and told the village to prepare for her funeral. Her critical organs were failing and she developed an infection. In a coma, she was moved to a hospital in Rwalpindi. Later on the 15 October she was moved to Birmingham in the United Kingdom for further treatment at a specialist hospital for treating military injuries. A couple of days later, she came out of a coma and responded well to treatment. She was discharged on January 3, 2013 and moved with her family to a temporary home in the West Midlands. Writing in her book “I am Malala” she writes.

“It was a miracle I was alive” (p.237)

She also writes about her lack of bitterness or desire for revenge.

“My only regret was that I hadn’t had a chance to speak to them before they shot me. Now they’d never hear what I had to say. I didn’t even think a single bad thought about the man who shot me – I had no thoughts of revenge – I just wanted to go back to Swat. I wanted to go home” I am Malala p.237

Response to Assassination attempt

Her assassination received worldwide condemnation and protests across Pakistan. Over 2 million people signed the Right to Education campaign. The petition helped the ratification of Pakistan’s first right to education bill in Pakistan.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, chief spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that Yousafzai was a symbol of the infidels and obscenity. However, other Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwa against the Taliban leaders and said there was no religious justification for shooting a schoolgirl.

United Nations petition

On 15 October, UN Special Envoy for global education, Gordon Brown, visited Malala whilst she was in hospital and launched a petition in her name – ‘In support for what Malala fought for.’

Using the slogan “I am Malala” the petition contains three demands

• We call on Pakistan to agree to a plan to deliver education for every child.
• We call on all countries to outlaw discrimination against girls.
• We call on international organizations to ensure the world’s 61 million out-of-school children are in education by the end of 2015.

I am Malala – petition

On 12 July 2013, she spoke at the United Nations to a group of 500 youths calling for worldwide access to education.

“I am not against anyone, neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I’m here to speak up for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all terrorists and extremists.” (BBC Link of speech)

Her global fame and admiration in the West has caused something of a backlash in Pakistan. Many in Pakistan fear the West’s support of Malala is hypocritical given the US drone strikes on Pakistan and Afghanistan. Also, her plight highlights the unchecked militancy of the Taliban, which is a problem for Pakistan. Some in Pakistan fear Malala is promoting a Western agenda. However, on her part, Malala is dismayed by conspiracy theories in her own country and is keen to portray her native Pakistan in a good light. Her BBC blog expresses such a sentiment.

…I immediately saw images of Pakistanis fill my screen. Not the usual rock hurling Pakistanis, irrationally shouting amidst flaming tyres, but gentle candle-lighting, beautiful Pakistanis with words of love and peace on their lips. It was UN International day of the Girl Child and the BBC chose to illustrate this with a story of what they termed a National Awakening in Pakistan, following the shooting of 14-year-old school girl, Malala Yousafzai. I was delighted at the apparent 24 hour flip from a narrative of “those Pakistanis are so barbaric they shoot their own school girls” to one of hope, resilience, and a more accurate reflection of the millions who reject such an act. (5 February, 2013)

Further Quotes by Malala

“Today we all know education is our basic right. Not just in the West; Islam too has given us this right. Islam says every girl and everybody should go to school. In the Quran it is written, God wants us to have knowledge.” I am Malala p.263

“One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.”

– UN Speech, July 12, 2013

“I love my God. I thank my Allah. I talk to him all day. He is the greatest. By giving me this height to reach people, he has also given me great responsibilities. Peace in every home, every street, every village, every country – this is my dream. Education for every boy and every girl in the world. To sit down on a chair and read my books with all my friends at school is my right right. To see each and every human being with a smile of happiness is my wish. I am Malala p 265

“I am Malala, My world has changed by I have not.” p.265

In October, 2014, the Nobel committee awarded Malala the Nobel Peace Prize, the said:

“Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzai has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations.

“This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education.”

Sources:https://www.biographyonline.net/women/malala.html

Song::Here I am!!!

This is the song on human rights, children rights and protection

Here is my song for my protection A song of love, respect and security 
Here I am - let's get in action Let´s live in peace and dignity 
What's behind a shining face? How do you describe a smiling face? 
What is wrong? What is right? There is one answer; Love is the key! 
Here I am, - with a right for shelter, and a right for care.

Here I am, - I've got the right for shelter and the right for love.

Here I am, - do you know how I feel, and do you see what I see? 
Here I am, - and I want to take part - to make all of this real.

Yeah, Here I am, - yes I am, oh yeah, yeah 
Here I am. - Here I am.

You respect me. - Respect my body and my soul, respect my point of view.

I respect you. - I rely on you and believe in love.

Don't live in anger, no, no, 'cause together we can make it, create a safe place.

Let's take action full of courage, heal a broken heart with love.

Our life's a gift from high above.

Here I am, - with a right for love.

Can you see, can you feel, can you know how I feel? 
When, I need to be safe, don't you look away.

I take care of myself, of my sisters and brothers.

Treating you good, let's put sun on ice.

And when I cannot safe myself, yes I know - someone will be there.

Warmth, shelter, love and care, no one should - have to despair.

Here I am, - with a right for love.

There´s a place to keep me save from harm, even if I did something wrong.

I still belong, oh yes I still belong. 
Here - with a right for love.

Here I am, - with a right for love. Here i am

International Children's Rights

The United Nations  Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the first legally binding international instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. On November 20th, 1989, world leaders decided that children needed a special convention just for them because people under 18 years old often need special care and protection that adults do not.

The leaders also wanted to make sure that the world recognized that children have human rights too. All UN members except the United States and Somalia have ratified CRC. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (California) is urging United States ratification.

1. Children have the right to live. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily.
2. All children have the right to a legally registered name, officially recognized by the government. Children have the right to a nationality (to belong to a country). Children also have the right to know and, as far as possible, to be cared for by their parents.
3. Children have the right to an identity – an official record of who they are. Governments should respect children’s right to a name, a nationality and family ties.
4. Children have the right to live with their parent(s), unless it is bad for them. Children whose parents do not live together have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this might hurt the child.
5. Families whose members live in different countries should be allowed to move between those countries so that parents and children can stay in contact, or get back together as a family.
6. Governments should take steps to stop children being taken out of their own country illegally. This article is particularly concerned with parental abductions. The Convention’s Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography has a provision that concerns abduction for financial gain.
7. When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account.
8. Children have the right to get and share information, as long as the information is not damaging to them or others. In exercising the right to freedom of expression, children have the responsibility to also respect the rights, freedoms and reputations of others. The freedom of expression includes the right to share information in any way they choose, including by talking, drawing or writing.
9. Children have the right to think and believe what they want and to practice their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should help guide their children in these matters. The Convention respects the rights and duties of parents in providing religious and moral guidance to their children. Religious groups around the world have expressed support for the Convention, which indicates that it in no way prevents parents from bringing their children up within a religious tradition. At the same time, the Convention recognizes that as children mature and are able to form their own views, some may question certain religious practices or cultural traditions. The Convention supports children’s right to examine their beliefs, but it also states that their right to express their beliefs implies respect for the rights and freedoms of others.
10. Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organizations, as long as it does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. In exercising their rights, children have the responsibility to respect the rights, freedoms and reputations of others.
11. Children have a right to privacy. The law should protect them from attacks against their way of life, their good name, their families and their homes.
12. Children have the right to get information that is important to their health and well-being. Governments should encourage mass media – radio, television, newspapers and Internet content sources – to provide information that children can understand and to not promote materials that could harm children. Mass media should particularly be encouraged to supply information in languages that minority and indigenous children can understand. Children should also have access to children’s books.
13. Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their children, and should always consider what is best for each child. Governments must respect the responsibility of parents for providing appropriate guidance to their children – the Convention does not take responsibility for children away from their parents and give more authority to governments. It places a responsibility on governments to provide support services to parents, especially if both parents work outside the home.
14. Children have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, physically or mentally. Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them. In terms of discipline, the Convention does not specify what forms of punishment parents should use. However any form of discipline involving violence is unacceptable. There are ways to discipline children that are effective in helping children learn about family and social expectations for their behavior– ones that are non-violent, are appropriate to the child’s level of development and take the best interests of the child into consideration. In most countries, laws already define what sorts of punishments are considered excessive or abusive. It is up to each government to review these laws in light of the Convention.
15. Children who cannot be looked after by their own family have a right to special care and must be looked after properly, by people who respect their ethnic group, religion, culture and language.
16. Children have the right to care and protection if they are adopted or in foster care. The first concern must be what is best for them. The same rules should apply whether they are adopted in the country where they were born, or if they are taken to live in another country.
17. Children have the right to special protection and help if they are refugees (if they have been forced to leave their home and live in another country), as well as all the rights in this Convention.
18. Children who have any kind of disability have the right to special care and support, as well as all the rights in the Convention, so that they can live full and independent lives.
19. Children have the right to good quality health care – the best health care possible – to safe drinking water, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help them stay healthy. Rich countries should help poorer countries achieve this.
20. Children who are looked after by their local authorities, rather than their parents, have the right to have these living arrangements looked at regularly to see if they are the most appropriate. Their care and treatment should always be based on “the best interests of the child”.
21. Children – either through their guardians or directly – have the right to help from the government if they are poor or in need.
22. Children have the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs. Governments should help families and guardians who cannot afford to provide this, particularly with regard to food, clothing and housing.
23. All children have the right to a primary education, which should be free. Wealthy countries should help poorer countries achieve this right. Discipline in schools should respect children’s dignity. For children to benefit from education, schools must be run in an orderly way – without the use of violence. Any form of school discipline should take into account the child’s human dignity. Therefore, governments must ensure that school administrators review their discipline policies and eliminate any discipline practices involving physical or mental violence, abuse or neglect. The Convention places a high value on education. Young people should be encouraged to reach the highest level of education of which they are capable.
24. Children’s education should develop each child’s personality, talents and abilities to the fullest. It should encourage children to respect others, human rights and their own and other cultures. It should also help them learn to live peacefully, protect the environment and respect other people. Children have a particular responsibility to respect the rights their parents, and education should aim to develop respect for the values and culture of their parents. The Convention does not address such issues as school uniforms, dress codes, the singing of the national anthem or prayer in schools. It is up to governments and school officials in each country to determine whether, in the context of their society and existing laws, such matters infringe upon other rights protected by the Convention.
25. Minority or indigenous children have the right to learn about and practice their own culture, language and religion. The right to practice one’s own culture, language and religion applies to everyone; the Convention here highlights this right in instances where the practices are not shared by the majority of people in the country.
26. Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.
27. The government should protect children from work that is dangerous or might harm their health or their education. While the Convention protects children from harmful and exploitative work, there is nothing in it that prohibits parents from expecting their children to help out at home in ways that are safe and appropriate to their age. If children help out in a family farm or business, the tasks they do be safe and suited to their level of development and comply with national lab our laws. Children’s work should not jeopardize any of their other rights, including the right to education, or the right to relaxation and play.
28. Governments should use all means possible to protect children from the use of harmful drugs and from being used in the drug trade.
29. Governments should protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. This provision in the Convention is augmented by the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
30. The government should take all measures possible to make sure that children are not abducted, sold or trafficked. This provision in the Convention is augmented by the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
31. Children should be protected from any activity that takes advantage of them or could harm their welfare and development.
32. No one is allowed to punish children in a cruel or harmful way. Children who break the law should not be treated cruelly. They should not be put in prison with adults, should be able to keep in contact with their families, and should not be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release.
33. Governments must do everything they can to protect and care for children affected by war. Children under 15 should not be forced or recruited to take part in a war or join the armed forces. The Convention’s Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict further develops this right, raising the age for direct participation in armed conflict to 18 and establishing a ban on compulsory recruitment for children under 18.
34. Children who have been neglected, abused or exploited should receive special help to physically and psychologically recover and reintegrate into society. Particular attention should be paid to restoring the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.
35. Children who are accused of breaking the law have the right to legal help and fair treatment in a justice system that respects their rights. Governments are required to set a minimum age below which children cannot be held criminally responsible and to provide minimum guarantees for the fairness and quick resolution of judicial or alternative proceedings.
36. If the laws of a country provide better protection of children’s rights than the articles in this Convention, those laws should apply.
37. Governments should make the Convention known to adults and children. Adults should help children learn about their rights, too.

In addition, there are two optional protocols that are part of this convention. To help stem the growing abuse and exploitation of children worldwide, the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 adopted two Optional Protocols to the Convention to increase the protection of children from involvement in armed conflicts and from sexual exploitation.

The Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict establishes 18 as the minimum age for compulsory recruitment and requires States to do everything they can to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from taking a direct part in hostilities.

The Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography draws special attention to the criminalization of these serious violations of children’s rights and emphasizes the importance of fostering increased public awareness and international cooperation in efforts to combat them.



Sources:https://justlists.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/54-un-rights-of-the-child/

Human Rights Acts in United Kingdom

The Human Rights Act 1998 (also known as the Act or the HRA) came into force in the United Kingdom in October 2000. It is composed of a series of sections that have the effect of codifying the protections in the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

All public bodies (such as courts, police, local governments, hospitals, publicly funded schools, and others) and other bodies carrying out public functions have to comply with the Convention rights.

This means, among other things, that individuals can take human rights cases in domestic courts; they no longer have to go to Strasbourg to argue their case in the European Court of Human Rights.

The Act sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals in the UK have access to. They include:

• Right to life

This means that nobody - including the government - can try to end your life. It also means that you have the right to be protected if your life is at risk.

Similarly, public authorities should consider your right to life when making decisions that might put you in danger or which affect your life expectancy.

• Freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment

The Human Rights Act protects you from:

• torture (mental, physical or both);
• inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and
• deportation or extradition (being sent to another country to face criminal charges) if there is a real risk you will face torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Public authorities must not inflict such treatment on you, and they must also protect you from this treatment where it comes from someone else. For example, if they know you are suffering inhuman or degrading treatment, they must intervene to stop it. 

What is torture?

Torture occurs when someone acting in an official capacity (for example a police officer or soldier) deliberately causes serious pain or suffering (physical or mental) to another person. This might be to punish someone, or to intimidate or obtain information from them.

What is inhuman treatment?

Inhuman treatment or punishment includes:

• serious physical assaults
• psychological interrogation
• inhuman detention conditions or restraints
• failing to give medical treatment or taking it away from a person with a serious illness
• threatening to torture someone, if the threat is real and immediate.

• Freedom from slavery and forced labour

The Human Rights Act protects your human right not to be held in slavery or servitude.

Slavery is when someone actually owns you like a piece of property.

Servitude is similar. You might live in the person’s property, work for them and be unable to leave, but they don’t officially own you.

The law also protects you from forced labour – forcing you to work under the threat of punishment that you have not agreed to accept.

• Right to liberty and security

You have a right to your personal freedom. The government cannot take away your freedom by detaining you without good reason - even for a short period.

For example, if you are caught up in a demonstration and the police cordon you off for an unreasonable amount of time, this might be a breach of your right to liberty.

Importantly, the Human Rights Act provides that if you are arrested, you have the right to:

• be told in a language you understand why you have been arrested and what charges you face
• be taken to court promptly
• bail (temporary release while the court process continues) subject to certain conditions
• have a trial within a reasonable time
• go to court to challenge your detention if you think it is unlawful
• compensation if you have been unlawfully detained.

• Right to a fair trial

You have the right to a fair and public hearing if:

• you are charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court
• a public authority is making a decision that has a decisive impact upon your civil rights or obligations.

Civil rights and obligations include rights and obligations that are recognised in different areas of UK law, including property law, planning law, family law, contract law and employment law.

It is a good idea to get further advice if you think the right to a fair and public hearing might apply to your case. 

• No punishment without law

You cannot be charged with a criminal offence for an action that was not a crime when you committed it.

This means that public authorities have to make sure that laws explain clearly what counts as a criminal offence, so that you know when you are breaking the law.

It is also against the law for the courts to give you a greater sentence than was available at the time you committed an offence.

• Respect for your private and family life, home and correspondence

Your private life

The right to a private life means that you have the right to carry on your life privately, without government interference, as long as you also respect the rights of other people.

The courts have interpreted the concept of ‘private life’ in a very broad way. It covers things like your right to choose your sexual identity, your lifestyle, and the way you look and dress.

It also includes your right to control who sees and touches your body. For example, this means that public authorities cannot do things like leave you undressed in a busy ward, or take a blood sample without your permission.

The concept of private life also covers your right to develop your personality and to develop friendships and other relationships. This includes a right to participate in essential economic, social, cultural and recreational activities of the community.

In some circumstances, public authorities may need to take steps to support you to realise your right to a private life, including your ability to participate in society.

The right to private life means that the media and others can be prevented from interfering in your life.

It also means that personal information about you (including official records, photographs, letters, diaries and medical records), should be kept securely and not shared without your permission, except in certain circumstances.

Family life

You have the right to enjoy your family relationships without interference from the government. This includes the right to live with your family and, where this is not possible, the right to regular contact.

‘Family life’ can include the relationship between an unmarried couple, an adopted child and the adoptive parent, and a foster parent and fostered child.

• Freedom of thought, belief and religion

The Human Rights Act protects your right to have your own thoughts, beliefs and religion. This includes the right to change your religion or beliefs at any time.

You also have the right to put your thoughts and beliefs into action. For example, public authorities cannot stop you practising your religion, publicly or privately, without very good reason, as outlined in the restrictions.

Importantly, this right  protects a wide range of religious beliefs and other beliefs including veganism, pacifism, agnosticism and atheism.

• Freedom of expression

You have the right to hold your own opinions and to express them freely without government interference.

This includes the right to express your views aloud or through:

• published articles, books or leaflets
• television or radio broadcasting
• works of art
• communication on the internet.

• Freedom of assembly and association

You have the right to protest by holding meetings and demonstrations with other people. But you must act peacefully and without violence or threat of violence.

You also have the right to form and be part of a trade union, a political party or another association or voluntary group. 

Nobody has the right to force you to join a protest, trade union, political party or another association.

• Right to marry and start a family

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2002 that this right extends to transsexual people who are now able to marry or enter civil partnerships in their acquired gender because of the Gender Recognition Act (2004).

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 means that gay men and lesbian women in the UK are now able to register civil partnerships. Couples who register a civil partnership have the same rights as heterosexual married couples in areas like tax, social security, inheritance and workplace benefits.

• Protection from discrimination in respect of these rights and freedoms

Discrimination occurs when you are treated less favourably than another person in a similar situation and this treatment cannot be objectively and reasonably justified.

It is important to understand that the Human Rights Act does not protect you from discrimination in all areas of your life. Instead it protects you from discrimination in the enjoyment of those human rights protected by the European Convention of Human Rights. This reflects the core idea that all of us, no matter who we are, enjoy the same human rights and should have equal access to them.

There are other laws that protect you from discrimination more generally.

The protection against discrimination in the Human Rights Act is not free-standing. In other words, in order to rely on this right, you need to show that your ability to enjoy one or more of the other rights in the Human Rights Act has been affected by the discriminatory treatment. However, you do not need to prove that this other human right has actually been breached.

The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on a wide range of grounds including ‘sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status’.

The case law relating to this right has shown that the term ‘other status’ includes, among other things, sexual orientation, illegitimacy, marital status, trade union membership, transsexualism and imprisonment. It can also be used to challenge discrimination on the basis of age or disability.

• Right to peaceful enjoyment of your property

You have the right to enjoy your property peacefully.

Property can include things like land, houses, shares, licences, leases, patents, money, a pension and certain types of welfare benefits.

A public authority cannot take away property or place restrictions on your use of your property without very good reason.

This right applies to companies as well as individuals.

• Right to education

Everybody has the right to an effective education.

Parents also have a right to ensure that their religious and philosophical beliefs are respected during the children’s education.

• Right to participate in free elections

The Human Rights Act requires the government to support your right to free expression by holding free elections at reasonable intervals.

The elections must enable you to vote in secret.

Source:http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/