English with Jo

This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about human rights. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination.  Universal human rights are often guaranteed by the law of a country, general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights laws give down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and freedoms of individuals or groups. 

Video about Human Rights

• How did you feel when you watched the video on human rights?
• Do you agree that ‘words can make a difference’?

Vocabulary

Phrasal Verbs & Expressions

• Speak out – to give your opinion about something in public, especially on a subject that you have strong feelings about.
• Stand up to – to keep your principles when challenged by an authority
• Speak your mind - to be honest to people about your opinions
• Take a stand - to oppose or resist someone or something

Conversation Questions

• What human rights do you know about?
• Do you think human rights are important?
• Which ones do you think are the most important?
• Do you feel you have all the human rights you need?
• Does your government have good human rights?
• Which people in your country have more rights than others?
• How can the world make sure human rights are protected?
• What can individuals do to help the problem of human rights abuses around the world?
• Can you think of any famous people who have fought to protect human rights?
• Which one do you respect the most?
• Which countries do you think have a bad record on human rights?
• Have you heard of Amnesty International?
• What do you think about the work they do?
• Why do you think governments deprive people of human rights?
• Have you ever stood up for your rights?
• What do you think about human rights activists?
• Do you ever feel your human rights are being violated?
• Which people in your country have ‘more equal rights’ than others?
• Do you think people should visit countries with bad human rights records?
• How can the world make sure human rights are protected?
• Do you think everyone in the world will one day have the same human rights?
• How would the world be different if all human rights were respected?