SURIGAO EDUCATION CENTER

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ETHICS PRELIM AND MIDTERM

HUMAN RIGHTS

Prepared:
HEART ANGELYN L. BALICUG
BSN -1

Checked by:
Hannah Papeller
 INTRODUCTION

Human rights are essential for the dignity and well-being of all individuals. They are a set of
universal rights that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity,
gender, or any other status. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1948, sets out the basic rights and freedoms to which all human
beings are entitled. In this research paper, we will explore the concept of human rights and their
importance. We will examine the different types of human rights and their significance in
contemporary society. We will also discuss the challenges that human rights face today and some
possible solutions to address these challenges.
What are human rights?
Human rights are rights that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of their race,
nationality, gender, or any other status. They are a set of principles that recognize the inherent
dignity of every person and provide protection against abuse and discrimination. Human rights
are enshrined in international law, and states have a responsibility to uphold and protect them.
Types of human rights: There are three categories of human rights: civil and political rights,
economic, social and cultural rights, and collective rights. Civil and political rights include the
right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. These rights
protect individuals from abuses of state power and ensure that they have a voice in the political
process.
Economic, social, and cultural rights include the right to education, healthcare, housing, and a
standard of living. These rights are essential for the well-being of individuals and communities
and ensure that everyone has access to basic needs. Collective rights include the right to self-
determination, the right to participate in cultural life, and the right to a clean environment. These
rights protect the rights of groups and communities and ensure that their unique cultures and
traditions are respected and preserved.

Human rights are the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that every person is entitled to,
simply by virtue of being human. These rights include civil, political, economic, social, and
cultural rights, and are enshrined in international human rights instruments, such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, and numerous other treaties and agreements.
The concept of human rights dates back to ancient times, but it was only in the aftermath of
World War II, with the creation of the United Nations, that the international community began to
develop a comprehensive framework for the protection of human rights. Since then, human
rights have become an integral part of international law and diplomacy, and are widely
recognized as a cornerstone of democratic societies.
Human rights violations continue to occur all over the world, ranging from discrimination and
inequality, to torture and extrajudicial killings. As a result, the promotion and protection of
human rights remains a critical issue for governments, civil society organizations, and
individuals alike
 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Human rights are certain unalienable rights attached to people which are endowed by God. They
include everything from the right to speak openly without fear, to set material wealth for
happiness, to profess a religion, to the right to decent shelter and healthcare. In this sense, all
people have the same rights and must defend and respect one another’s human rights. They may
not take other people’s rights away because it violates against human rights. All human beings
are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Human rights are the basic rights and freedom to
which all human beings are entitled, including rights for life and liberty as well a freedom of
thought and expression and equality before the law, and whose exercise the government or any
institution may not interfere. Human rights are premised on the recognition of the equal worth
and dignity of every human being regardless of any distinguishing characteristic such as race,
color, sex, language, religion, political, or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth
or other status. This gives rice to the twin fundamental principles of equality and non-
discrimination (Handaumlusermann, 1997). Based on the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (December 10, 1948) everyone has the right for life, liberty and security of person. This
means that everyone has the right for work, free choice of employment, justice and 1 2 favorable
conditions of work and protection against unemployment. Everyone, without any discrimination,
has the right to equal pay for equal work. However, a violation of human rights is still found at
any time and at any place. The form of unjust treatment or discrimination of the superior towards
the inferior is an example of a violation of human rights. It, therefore, becomes one of crucial
issues for the international community from time to time which is commonly exposed in both
electronic and printed media. It proves that a violation of human rights does still exist in certain
places. An issue of human rights can also be seen in a movie. Some filmmakers often use their
movies as media for expressing both their response to the violation of human rights happening in
certain places and their promotion for human rights reinforcement. As a product of technology, a
movie often illustrates and reflects the real situation and condition of the movie makers’
surrounding society. Not only can a movie increase the audience’s empathy feeling and
tolerance, it can also make the audience evaluate their own attitude and behavior toward other
people as manifested by the figures or the characters in the story. Thus, a movie can be used as a
medium for promoting human rights issues. There are some movies promoting human rights
issues as the main theme. One of them is Philadelphia. It is a movie about how a lawyer gets
unjust treatment or discrimination from the law firm’s partners due to having AIDS and how he
fights against it. The major character in Philadelphia is Andrew Backett (Tom Hanks). He is a
successful lawyer, but he is a gay and has AIDS. He works for a prestigious Philly corporate law
firm in Philadelphia. Having finished the 3 firm’s newest and most important case he has been
assigned and brought it to his office, he suffers from bowel spasm and has to stay in the hospital.
While still at the hospital, he receives a call from his firm’s partners asking for the paperwork he
has just been submitted to his office. Though his paperwork is finally discovered, he is fired by
the firm’s partners for the misplaced document. They claim that he is not professional and no
longer a good lawyer. But he believes that someone deliberately hid his paperwork to give the
firm a pretext to fire him, and that the firing is actually as a result of his diagnosis with AIDS.
Resulting from this, Beckett files a discrimination suit against the firm’s partners. He secures the
counsel of a lawyer fearing AIDS and homosexuality Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) who
previously refuses to take his case for he is afraid of being contracted AIDS. Miller finally takes
Beckett’s case after his doctor explains the methods of HIV infection. He then successfully
convinces the jury so that they vote in his favor. Above all, Beckett’s case leads him to overcome
his fear and misconceptions about AIDS and gay people in general. Presented by Hollywood
studio picture, Philadelphia illustrates a violation of human rights, especially about unjust
treatment or discrimination in the field of employment. As a matter of fact, in the United States it
is illegal for employers to fire their employee simply because she or he has a disease. As
illustrated in the movie, Backett decides to sue (file a lawsuit) against his firm’s partners for
illegally firing him. In the light of Beckett and his family, the lawsuit will definitely represent a
major fight against prejudice, and thus a fight for justice.
 COUNTER ARGUMENT
Here are some potential counterarguments and ways to respond to them:
Counterargument 1: Human rights are not universal, as they are based on Western values and
may not be applicable or relevant to non-Western cultures and societies.
Response: While it is true that the concept of human rights has roots in Western philosophy and
culture, the idea of universal human rights has gained widespread acceptance around the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, has been
ratified by 193 countries, including many non-Western nations. Furthermore, the idea that all
human beings are entitled to certain rights and protections is not exclusive to Western culture.
Similar principles can be found in the teachings of many religions and philosophical traditions
from around the world.
Counterargument 2: Human rights are impractical and unrealistic, as they can conflict with other
important values and goals, such as national security, economic development, and cultural
preservation.
Response: While it is true that human rights can sometimes come into conflict with other
important values, it is important to recognize that human rights are fundamental to human
dignity and well-being. Without basic rights such as freedom of expression, association, and
peaceful assembly, individuals and communities are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Furthermore, respect for human rights can actually contribute to long-term stability, prosperity,
and cultural diversity, as it promotes the rule of law, encourages innovation and creativity, and
fosters dialogue and mutual understanding.
Counterargument 3: Human rights are too broad and vague, and can be interpreted in many
different ways, making it difficult to enforce them consistently and fairly.
Response: While it is true that human rights can be open to interpretation, this is not a reason to
dismiss them altogether. Instead, it is important to work towards greater clarity and consensus on
what human rights entail, and to develop effective mechanisms for enforcing and monitoring
compliance with human rights standards. This can include international treaties, national laws
and institutions, civil society activism, and public education and awareness-raising campaigns.
While there may be challenges and obstacles to enforcing human rights consistently and fairly,
this does not mean that we should give up on striving towards this goal.
 CONCLUSION
Human rights are an essential aspect of modern society, and they serve as a foundation for a just
and equitable world. This research paper has demonstrated that human rights are inherent to all
human beings, and they encompass a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and
cultural rights.
While progress has been made in promoting and protecting human rights around the world, there
is still much work to be done. Discrimination, inequality, and human rights violations continue to
occur, and it is the responsibility of individuals, governments, and organizations to work towards
a world where human rights are fully respected and upheld.
As demonstrated by this research paper, understanding the importance of human rights is
essential for anyone interested in creating a better world. By promoting and protecting human
rights, we can create a society that is fair, just, and equitable for all. It is the duty of everyone to
strive towards this goal, and to work towards a world where human rights are universally
respected and upheld.
I completely agree that the protection and promotion of human rights is essential and is in line
with our moral principles and values. The concept of human rights is based on the idea that every
individual is entitled to certain fundamental rights and freedoms, regardless of their race, gender,
nationality, religion, or any other characteristic. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and
security of person, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education, and the right to a
fair trial, among others.
My argument in support of human rights is based on the following points:
Firstly, human rights are essential for the protection of human dignity. All individuals are entitled
to respect and dignity, and human rights provide a framework for ensuring that this principle is
upheld. The recognition and protection of human rights help to ensure that individuals are not
subjected to degrading or inhumane treatment, and that their basic needs are met.
Secondly, human rights promote social justice and equality. Human rights provide a basis for
ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equally under the law. The protection of human
rights helps to prevent discrimination and ensure that everyone has access to the same
opportunities and resources.
Finally, human rights are necessary for promoting peace and stability. The recognition and
protection of human rights can help to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful resolution of
disputes. By ensuring that everyone's basic needs are met, human rights can help to reduce social
and economic tensions and promote social harmony.
In conclusion, the protection and promotion of human rights is essential for ensuring that
individuals are treated with dignity, promoting social justice and equality, and promoting peace
and stability. It is our moral responsibility to uphold and defend human rights, and to work
towards a world where everyone's rights are respected and protected.