A Brief Introduction

These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. Universal human rights are oftenExpressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties,Customary international law, general principles and other Sources of international law.International human rights Law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain Ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promoteAnd protect human rights and fundamental freedoms ofIndividuals or groups.

What are Human Rights What are Human Rights They are a set of principles agreed by the

members of the UN at its inception after WWs

They apply to all of us regardless of our ◦ Race◦ Colour◦ Descent◦ National or ethnic origin◦ Gender◦ Sexual orientation◦ Religion◦ language

The following treaties and conventions have been extended to St Helena

Racial discrimination means: Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or

preference based on ◦ Race◦ Colour◦ Descent◦ National or ethnic origin

This is prohibited by this Convention

Allows for Self determination Fee disposal of personal wealth & assets Remedy if rights are abused/threatened Right to life Freedom & security of the person Enjoyment of one’s own language & culture Freedom of movement Everyone is equal before a court & innocent

until proved guilty

Recognition as a person Private & family life Freedom of thought, conscience & religion

or belief Freedom to hold opinions without

interference Peaceful assembly & association A child’s right to a name and a nationality One person-one vote

Protects Against Discrimination (race, sex, colour, religion,

social origin, property, birth, property or other status)

Cruel, inhuman treatment or torture Slavery/servitude Imprisonment for failure to fulfil a contract Guilt by omission

Allows for: Self determination Fee disposal of personal wealth & assets Right to work and work in fair & favourable

conditions Freedom to join a trade union Right to social security & benefits An adequate standard of living High standards of physical & mental health Right to education

Allows for: To take part in cultural life The development of science & culture Access to theses rights not being

discriminatory in any way Equal enjoyment of these rights by men &

women

This protects people from pain/suffering either physical or mental intentionally inflicted to gain knowledge or information or for punishment.

People cannot be extradited to a country where they will be subjected to torture

Protects people under 18 regardless of their or their parents race, gender, religion, disability etc

It covers all actions concerning children whether◦ Public or private social welfare bodies◦ Courts of law◦ Administrative & legislative bodies

The BEST INTERSESTS OF THE CHILD are a primary consideration.

Recognises people under 18 have a right to: Life A name, nationality To be brought up by their parents (where

possible) Protection from trafficking To express their views and be listened to in

accordance with their age & maturity. Freedom of expression Freedom of conscience, thought & religion

Recognises people under 18 have a right to: Freedom of association Privacy & family life Freedom of access to mass media Both parents having common responsibility

for them Freedom from physical & mental violence,

injury, abuse/sexual abuse, neglect & exploitation.

Recognises people under 18 have a right to: Be looked after (by state, adopted etc) Mentally or physically disabled children

have a right to a full and descent life A high standard of healthcare Social security/benefits A standard of living that is adequate for

their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.

Recognises people under 18 have a right to: Education Community of their own cultural group Leisure, play and recreation Protection from economic exploitation Protection from illicit drugs Protection from sexual abuse/exploitation Protection from being sold, trafficked,

torture Be heard in a court of law Presumed innocent until proved guilty

This convention has been extended to St Helena

Covers Obligation of states to protect human rights Right to life Freedom from torture Freedom from slavery & forced labour Liberty & security Right to a fair trial No punishment without law

Respect for private & family life Freedom of thought, conscience & religion Freedom of expression Freedom of assembly & association Right to marry Right to effective remedy Prohibition of discrimination Prohibition on the abuse of rights Protection of property Right to education

Discuss it with the person or organization causing the problem

Contact any of the following for advice◦ Public Solicitor/Lay Advocate

Ladder Hill Tel 23008, Email pubicsolicitor@helanta.co.sh

◦ Human Rights Office The Basement No 3 Main Street Tel 22133 Email humanrightsoffice@helanta.co.sh