Human rights and the rule of law

The role of individuals and groups are very necessary in the protection of human rights and rule of law. If something contrary is happening to an individual or group of people, there should be complaints to the appropriate authority that can help to defend or protect the fundamental human rights of such individual or group.

Representing the affected person in the court – Laws are made to check the excesses of some people who are in government or who feel they are well placed in the society. And because they are rich or connected to those in power they also misbehave. A person whose rights are being trampled upon may not have the means of going to court. Such a person must be represented in the court to protect his rights and that of others. A court is a place where people who are aggrieved seek redress. Some causes of human rights violation are as follows:

In some areas where one religion is dominant other people at times are deprived of worshiping God their own way. Fundamental human rights permits freedom of religion.

Some government officers who want to arrogate power to themselves do stand to hinder freedom of association and movement saying it will cause public disturbance even when the people concerned obtained permission for such gathering. Some people are hindered from holding public meeting by government officers because they are in power.

There is fundamental human rights to vote for in an election. But some people are frustrated out by those in power through stringent conditions they cannot cope with. A group will seek permission to use a hall for rally. They will put notice there that meeting is not allowed.

Protest Marches – People carry placards with various inscriptions of human rights violation and do protest marches through major streets, roads and strategic locations to make people know what’s happening to them. It could be a case of denial of due benefits or a case of oppression.

Media coverage – protest march may not work in some areas. Print and electronic media cover a very wide area. The radio and television cover a wide area. When human rights violation announcements and jingles are put on radio and television, it will be heard throughout its area of coverage.

Deliberate refusal to do anything – some individuals or groups could adopt another medium of not doing anything. They could refuse to eat, drink or take their bath because they have been denied their fundamental human rights.

Assessment

Explain how individuals and groups help protect human rights of others