61 After the horrors of the Second World War, the newly founded United Nations decided to draw up a list of basic human rights (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights) to protect the legal rights of every citizen within their state and encourage fairness and justice in all societies. Read the statements and decide whether they are true (T) or false (F). T F 1 The right to free speech (freedom of expression) may be restricted if what is said is offensive, obscene or discriminates against certain groups. 2 Human rights include the right to live in a pollution-free environment. 3 Everyone is entitled to the same human rights standards without distinctions, such as race, gender, language, religion or political opinion. 4 Human rights ensure that everyone has the right to freely move and live in any country of their choice. 5 States must not deprive pupils of equal opportunities in education. 6 The human right to healthcare gives everybody access to free medicines. 7 If a woman receives lower pay for doing the same job as a man, it is a violation of human rights. 8 The police are responsible for making sure people have their human rights respected and protected. Compare your results with a partner. Are they the same? Do some research on the statements that are false and explain why they are not true. Read through this information about non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and decide where the three sentences below fit best. READING + SPEAKING 15 a Standing up for human rights b 16 Why we need NGOs Elected politicians are often driven by short-term interests that are not always in line with long-term social goals. With many policy-makers only focused on the next election, democratic governments may produce public policies that are shortsighted and weak. And in states where a dictator has unlimited power, the benefit of the general population is often not even a factor in policymaking. On the other hand, any services the private sector provides need to generate profit. But it is difficult to make money from services for the most disadvantaged people in society, or for those disempowered by political elites. NGOs fill the gap by providing services that neither the public nor the private sector want a hand in. They help address a wide variety of social needs but don’t have to make a profit. Citizens work together voluntarily to promote social values and civic goals which are important to them. In some cases, NGOs become spokespersons for the underrepresented and attempt to influence government policies and programmes on their behalf. Their activities include, but are not limited to, environmental, social and human rights work. They play a critical part in developing society, improving communities and promoting civil rights and participation. a Therefore, these services are outside of what the private sector can offer. b Controversial issues are ignored until they become a crisis. c This may be done through a variety of means, from campaigning to participation in public forums to the formulation of government policy and plans. What NGOs do you know? What do they do? How can they be supported? Discuss in class. 17 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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