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Human Rights Frequently Asked Questions
» What is Human Rights?
» Characteristics of Human Rights.
» What are my rights?
» Why is human rights knowledge important for me?
» How are my rights protected?
» Who can help me if I believe that my rights have been breached?
What is human rights
According to Human Rights Education Associates, their definition and characteristics of human rights are as follows:
Human rights can be defined as those basic standards without which people cannot life in dignity as human beings. Human's are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. Their respect allows the individual and the community to fully develop.
The development of human rights has its roots in the struggle for freedom and equality everywhere in the world. The basis of human rights - such as respect for human life and human dignity - can be found in most religions and philosophies.
Characteristics of human rights
Human rights do not have to be bought, earned or inherited, they belong to people simply because they are human - human rights are 'inherent' to each individual.
Human rights are the same for all human beings regardless of race, sex, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin. We are all born free and equal in dignity and rights - human rights are 'universal'.
Human rights cannot be taken away, no one has the right to deprive another person of them for any reason. People still have human rights even when the laws of their countries do not recognize them, or when they violate them - for example, when slavery is practised, slaves still have rights even though these rights are being violate - human rights are 'inalienable'.
People live in dignity, all human rights are entitled to freedom, security and decent standards of living concurrently - human rights are 'indivisible'.
What are my rights?
The classification of rights, according to the Human Rights Education Associates are in 3 main categories, as follows:
Civil and political rights (also called 'first generation' rights). These are 'liberty-orientated' and include the rights to: life, liberty and security of the individual; freedom from torture and slavery; political participation; freedom of opinion, expression, thought, conscience and religion; freedom of association and assembly.
Economic and social rights (also called second generation rights). These are 'security-orientated' rights, for example the rights to: work; education; a reasonable standard of living; food; shelter and health care.
Environmental, cultural and developmental rights (also called third
generation rights). These include the rights to live in an environment
that is clean and protected from destruction, and rights to cultural,
political and economic development.
When we say that each person has human rights, we are also saying that
each person has responsibilities to respect the human rights of others.
In Fiji, your rights are protected in the 1997 Constitution's Bill of Rights.
Why is human rights knowledge important for me?
It is important that every person understands and knows their rights firstly because everyone has a right to this knowledge. By knowing your rights you know when your rights are being breached, and similarly you will also know and respect others' rights by not breaching their rights too.
How are my rights protected?
In Fiji your rights are protected by law within the Bill of Rights section in the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji Islands.
You have a right to complain if someone breaches your rights, but you must also be mindful that exercising of rights comes with the responsibility that others' rights must be respected too.
Who can help me if I believe that my rights or freedoms have been denied?
When your rights and freedoms have been denied you can do any of the following:
1. Lodge a complaint with the Fiji Human Rights Commission;
2. Consult a lawyer; or
3. Talk to your community leader, teacher or anyone else that you trust.
Similarly, you can also lodge a complaint on behalf on behalf of anyone else OR on behalf of a group of people if you think their rights and freedoms are being denied.
To lodge an online complaint with the Commission, click here.