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THEME HUMAN RIGHTS

1 A. Discuss the following questions.

1. What do you think is meant by ‘human rights’?
2. What would the world be like without regulations on human rights?
3. How do you think protection of human rights is related to an independent state?

B. Take a quick look at the text and find out which of the phrases in the box are dealt with in
each paragraph. Write the number of the paragraph beside each phrase. More than one
option is possible.

F gender inequality
F the importance of an official reference
F animal rights
F women’s rights
F disadvantaged people/groups
F children rights

When we talk about human rights, we cover many things and it may sound complicated. However, things
may get easier and simpler if you can figure out what the basic philosophy which underlies human rights is.

The understanding of human rights may vary depending on the culture and traditions of a society.
1However, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is recognized and referred to as
the official reference of human rights. It gives clear definitions of rights and freedoms through articles.

In order for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be adopted and applied, the existence of an
2independent state is vital. Take Syria, where humanity, in many aspects, have failed. Millions including
women, children, old people, civilians have had to immigrate to neighboring countries, in particular Turkey
only to be able to survive. Some couldn’t get out of the war and got stuck. They have had two choices;
either die or live a disadvantaged life as injured, disabled people or as people without running water, a
home to sleep in, schools, enough food supplies. Therefore, people should appreciate being part of an
independent and well-organized state.

It is not only Syria where human rights cannot exist. There are many other problems in other parts of
3 the world, where there are no wars. Women are still not allowed to join some social activities in some
countries, they cannot even vote. There are still places where children are deprived of education and
forced to work such as those working at diamond mines in some parts of Africa.

Human rights abuses are often associated with developing or under-developed countries but even
4developed countries may have a long way to go. Inequality in education of children, unemployment
problem for the disabled, social security problems are still waiting to be resolved. In remote parts of some
developed countries, some groups lead a simple and primitive form of life, deprived of conveniences and
technologies of the modern world. They can be regarded as disadvantaged groups of modern countries.

The world witnesses and gives examples of both good and bad practices of human rights but thinking
5that we share this planet with other creatures, animals and the wild must be treated fairly. There are
some experts and organizations that have been working day and night for arrangement of animal rights
and fighting for environment. Hunting seals wildly for their furs on the Arctic, bullfighting events, sterilization
of street dogs are only some of the events that are protested. Therefore, more and more people are
becoming aware of those issues all around the world.
...

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