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4.1.1 What is meant by human rights? Human rights are the basic rights that are entitled to every individual - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
4.1.1 What is meant by human rights? Human rights are the basic rights that are entitled to every individual. They are inherent to all human beings, regardless of n... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4.1.1 What is meant by human rights? Human rights are the basic rights that are entitled to every individual - NSC Religion Studies - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is meant by human rights?
Answer
Human rights are the basic rights that are entitled to every individual. They are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnic origin, race, religion, language, or any other status. These rights are universally accepted and are essential for maintaining human dignity and equality.
They include rights such as the right to life, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and the right to participate in one’s government. Human rights are grounded in the idea that every person should be treated with dignity and respect.
Step 2
With reference to the sources above, show how the judgement complies with the Constitution of South Africa.
Answer
The judgement delivered by the Johannesburg High Court affirmed that freedom of religion is a human right, as indicated in Source A, which emphasizes everyone's right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion. The court ruled that public schools can conduct religious observances, provided they adhere to three specific conditions:
- All observances must follow the rules established by the School Governing Body, ensuring an equitable approach in the application of these rules.
- Observances must be held on a voluntary basis, allowing students the choice to participate freely.
- Attendance must be free and voluntary, aligning with constitutional guarantees of voluntary participation in religious activities.
This judgement adheres to the Constitution by promoting non-discrimination among various religions and prohibiting the endorsement of one religion over others. It ensures that no child is compelled to partake in religious observances contrary to their beliefs, thereby supporting the principles enshrined in the Constitution.