CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – CITIZENSHIP 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS 

LEARNING AREA

1. Meaning of Fundamental Human Rights

2. The rights of the Citizens

3. Ways of Safeguarding Fundamental Human Rights

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Picture demonstrating citizenship.

2. World map

3. Documentation and video clips

4. National symbols e.g national flag, coat of arms, national pledge, etc.

5. Textbooks

6. Internet

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. discuss the fundamental human rights.

2. state the rights of the citizens.

3. discuss the stages in the process of making law.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Fundamental human rights are basic rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to by virtue of being human. These rights are inherent, universal, and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or given up. Rights are legal privileges that are enjoy by the citizens of a country. These are are many more rights that are recognized and protected under various international human rights treaties and conventions.

THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS 

Rights are essential for ensuring dignity, equality, and freedom for all individuals. According to section IV of the 1999 Nigeria constitution, Nigerian citizens are entitled to following rights,

1. Right to Life – The right to life is a fundamental human right that protects individuals from arbitrary deprivation of life.

2. Right to Liberty and Security – This right ensures that individuals cannot be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned and guarantees the protection of personal freedom and security.

3. Right to Freedom of Expression – The right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to express opinions, beliefs, and ideas without interference or censorship.

4. Right to Equality – The right to equality prohibits discrimination on various grounds, such as race, gender, religion, and ethnicity, and guarantees equal treatment under the law.

5. Right to Privacy – The right to privacy protects individuals from unwarranted surveillance or intrusion into their private lives.

6. Right to Freedom of Religion and Belief – This right guarantees individuals the freedom to practice their religion or belief without discrimination or coercion.

7. Right to Education – The right to education ensures that all individuals have access to quality education without discrimination.

8. Right to Health – The right to health includes access to healthcare services, sanitation, and a healthy environment.

9. Right to Work – The right to work guarantees individuals the right to work in safe and equitable conditions, receive fair wages, and form trade unions.

10. Right to Participate in Government – The right to participate in government includes the right to vote, run for office, and have a say in public decision-making processes.

WAYS OF SAFEGUARDING FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Legal Protections – Governments can safeguard fundamental human rights by enacting laws and constitutions that explicitly protect these rights. These laws serve as a legal framework to ensure that individuals are protected from violations of their rights by both the state and other entities.

2. Judicial Enforcement – Independent and impartial judicial systems play a crucial role in safeguarding human rights. Courts can review laws and government actions to ensure that they are consistent with human rights standards, and can provide redress and remedies to individuals whose rights have been violated.

3. Education and Awareness – Promoting awareness and understanding of human rights among the general public is important in safeguarding these rights. Education can help foster a culture of respect for human rights and empower individuals to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.

4. Accountability Mechanisms – Governments, institutions, and individuals should be held accountable for violations of human rights. Establishing mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, and investigating human rights abuses can help ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive justice.

5. Civil Society Engagement – Civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, play a crucial role in advocating for human rights and holding governments and other actors accountable. Civil society can raise awareness, monitor human rights violations, and provide support to victims.

6. International Mechanisms – International human rights bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and regional human rights courts, can provide oversight and accountability at the international level. These mechanisms can investigate human rights abuses, issue recommendations, and hold states accountable for violating human rights treaties.

7. Non-Discrimination and Equality – Upholding principles of non-discrimination and equality is essential for safeguarding human rights. Laws and policies should ensure that all individuals are treated equally and have equal access to their rights, regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.

8. Participation and Empowerment – Ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that affect their rights is important for safeguarding human rights. Empowering marginalized and vulnerable groups to participate in public discourse and decision-making can help ensure that their rights are respected and protected.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads a discussion on the meaning and types of laws.

3. discusses rights of the Citizens.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain types of law.

3. state the rights of the citizens.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define law.

2. list five types of laws.

3. mention eight rights to the citizens.