Equality and discrimination

Year level: Upper primary/Lower secondary Learning outcome Students investigate the consequences of unequal treatment based on gender, race or religious beliefs in relation to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Read the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, either complete or the ‘plain language’ version on http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanrights/declaration/index.asp. Think of an example of how each one of these rights could be violated (share the rights among the class to cover them all). Create a consequence chart based on your example showing the effect of having this right violated. You might use the following situations: An unemployed person is unable to afford food for her or his family. A group of people concerned about a new government law are forcefully moved from gathering in the street and blocking traffic. A worker is fired from his or her job after complaining to the employer about working conditions. A person who is identifiably following a particular religious belief is abused while walking along the street or riding on public transport. Discuss What rights have been violated? Why have these rights been violated? What are the consequences of this violation? What can individual people and governments do to address this situation? Debate Some people should not be treated equally. Assessment task Write a short story using imaginary people or creatures which highlights the impact of discrimination on the basis of a personal characteristic such as gender, race, religion, disability or poverty.