Focus: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life and security
Value: Integrity
Freedom of speech and expression is essential for democracy: once freedom of expression is lost, all other freedoms fall.
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of expression is the right of every individual to hold opinions without interference from others, and to be able to search for, receive and share information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
In a democracy the people have a say in how the government is run. They do this by voting.
Governments may put limits on freedom of expression when the security of others is threatened such as in the case where individuals use expressions of hatred towards a person or group because of their race or because they are disabled for example. This is called hate speech.
They may also limit freedom of expression where people are being encouraged by the words of others to commit illegal acts. This is called incitement.
Learning Intention: I am learning about the right to freedom of expression and the right to be safe as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Success Criteria: I am aware that the language I use when discussing Palestine and Israel must be respectful and sensitive to the feelings of others especially Muslim or Jewish people.