Dave Ikiedei Asei
28/02/2023
In part 1 of this article, we discussed that marginalized groups are those who are often excluded from mainstream society due to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status. These groups face significant barriers to accessing opportunities and resources, and their rights are often overlooked or violated.
We also discussed that the rights of marginalized groups are protected by international human rights laws and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In part 2, we have some more rights of marginalized groups. They are:
THE RIGHTS ARE:
THE RIGHTS TO EQUALITY:
All individuals have the right to be treated equally before the law, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION:
DISCRIMINATION IS A BASIC RIGHT:
Freedom from discrimination refers to the fundamental human right to be treated equally and fairly without prejudice or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics. Discrimination can take many forms, such as denying someone access to education or employment opportunities, refusing to provide goods or services, or subjecting them to harassment or violence.
The right to freedom from discrimination is enshrined in numerous international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Many countries also have laws and policies in place to protect individuals from discrimination.
It is important to recognize that freedom from discrimination is not just a legal or political issue, but also a social and cultural one. Creating a society where everyone is treated equally and fairly requires a collective effort to challenge discriminatory attitudes and practices, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster empathy and respect for others.
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION:
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to freely express their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retribution from the government or other entities. This right is protected by many international human rights conventions and treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Freedom of expression encompasses a broad range of forms of expression, including speech, writing, art, music, and other forms of creative expression. It also includes the right to access information and the right to express dissenting opinions and criticisms of those in power.
While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it is not absolute. It may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when the expression is likely to incite violence or hatred, or when it is deemed to be harmful to national security or public order. However, any restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and prescribed by law.
On the whole, freedom of expression is a vital component of a democratic society, as it allows for the free exchange of ideas and the development of diverse perspectives
All individuals have the right to express themselves freely, including through their religion, culture, and language.
THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION:
The right to education is a fundamental human right recognized by the United Nations. It is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The right to education means that every person has the right to access quality education without discrimination, and that education should be available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable to the needs of individuals and society.
The right to education is not only important for personal development and empowerment, but also for the development of society as a whole. Education helps people acquire knowledge, skills, and values that enable them to participate fully in society, to make informed decisions, and to contribute to economic, social and cultural progress.
Governments have a duty to ensure that education is available and accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or any other status. This means that governments must provide free primary education and ensure that secondary and higher education are affordable and accessible to all, including disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Additionally, governments must ensure that education is of good quality, relevant, and inclusive, and that it promotes respect for human rights and diversity.
In summary, the right to education is a fundamental human right that must be respected, protected, and fulfilled by governments, societies, and individuals.
All individuals have the right to education, and education should be accessible and available to all without discrimination.
THE RIGHT TO HEALTHCARE:
The concept of "freedom to healthcare" typically refers to the idea that individuals should have the right to access healthcare services without facing significant financial barriers or discrimination. This means that healthcare should be available to all individuals, regardless of their income, social status, race, ethnicity, gender, or other factors.
In many countries, healthcare is considered a fundamental human right, and governments have a responsibility to ensure that all citizens have access to basic healthcare services. This can include preventative care, such as vaccinations and check-ups, as well as more complex treatments for illnesses and injuries.
However, the extent to which healthcare is considered a right can vary depending on the political and economic context of a given country. Some countries have universal healthcare systems, in which all citizens are guaranteed access to healthcare services without having to pay significant out-of-pocket expenses. Other countries have more market-oriented healthcare systems, in which individuals may have to pay for healthcare services themselves, or rely on private health insurance.
In all, the idea of "freedom to healthcare" is an important principle for ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and it remains a topic of debate and discussion in many countries around the world
All individuals have the right to healthcare, and healthcare services should be accessible and available to all without discrimination.
THE RIGHT TO WORK:
The right to work is a fundamental human right recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment." This right is also recognized by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The right to work encompasses a number of different elements, including the right to work without discrimination, the right to safe and healthy working conditions, the right to fair wages and benefits, the right to form and join trade unions, and the right to social security in case of unemployment, illness or old age.
However, while the right to work is a universal human right, it is not always upheld in practice. Many people around the world face significant barriers to accessing decent work, including discrimination, lack of education and skills, and economic inequality. Governments have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to decent work opportunities and to take steps to address the root causes of unemployment and underemployment
All individuals have the right to work and to fair and equal treatment in the workplace, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.
THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICAL AND SOCIAL
LIFE:
Socio-political rights refer to a set of rights that are related to social and political aspects of a person's life. These rights are essential for the overall well-being and development of individuals and communities. They include the right to participate in the political process, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of association and assembly, the right to education, the right to work, and the right to social security.
SOME IMPORTANT RIGHTS ARE -
RIGHT TO VOTE:
This right allows citizens to participate in the political process by choosing their representatives.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION:
This right allows individuals to express their opinions and thoughts freely, without fear of repression or retaliation.
RIGHT TO ASSEMBLY:
This right allows people to gather and organize for a common cause or purpose.
RIGHT TO SOCIAL SECURITY:
This right provides individuals with basic social protections, such as healthcare, housing, and financial support during times of need.
Socio-political rights are fundamental to a democratic society and are enshrined in many international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM VIOLENCE AND ABUSE:
All individuals have the right to live free from violence and abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
It is important to recognize and uphold the rights of marginalized groups to promote social justice and equality for all.
THE SOLUTIONS FOR MARGINALIZED GROUPS:
There are many solutions that can be implemented to address the marginalization and discrimination experienced by marginalized groups. Here are a few examples:
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS:
Educating people about the experiences and issues faced by marginalized groups can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy.
IN LUSIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES:
Ensuring that policies and practices are inclusive and accessible to all can help to reduce barriers to participation and promote equality.
REPRESENTATION:
Increasing the representation of marginalized groups in decision-making positions and in the media can help to promote their voices and perspectives.
EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT:
Providing marginalized groups with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed can help to promote their empowerment.
SELF-DETERMINATION:
Self-determination is the process by which individuals or groups exercise their autonomy, freedom, and independence in making decisions about their lives and achieving their goals. It is the ability to control one's own destiny and to have the power to shape one's own life.
Self-determination is often associated with political and national movements, where people seek to govern themselves and establish their own state or territory. However, it can also apply to individual situations, such as personal decision-making, career planning, and relationships.
The principle of self-determination is recognized in international law as a fundamental right of all people. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, for example, recognizes the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
Self-determination can be important for individual well-being and a sense of fulfillment, as well as for the empowerment of marginalized groups and the promotion of democracy and human rights.
However, it can also be complicated by social and political factors such as discrimination, inequality, and conflicting interests
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