Human rights - past HSC questions

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Human rights short answer questions - Past HSC questions 1) Short answer questions: The below table contains past HSC and trial HSC questions on Core Part 2: Human Rights topic. The questions are listed against the relevant syllabus dot point. Tan = 1 and 2-mark questions Pink = 3-mark questions Purple = 4-mark questions Blue = 5-mark questions Green = 6-, 7- and 8-mark questions 1. Nature and development of human rights Syllabus dot point Question Answer ● the definition of human rights Explain the importance of the universal recognition of human rights (2 marks) (2020 trial HSC) Human rights are a collection of fundamental standards that belong to all individuals worldwide. It is extremely importance to recognize and uphold these rights in order to protect people from injustice. List TWO features of human rights. (2 marks) (2018 HSC) Human rights are declared to be inalienable and inherent, meaning they are permanent and essential to all individuals and cannot be challenged. Distinguish between individual and collective rights (3 marks) (2021 trial HSC) Individual rights belong to each citizen of a nation individually such as the right to freedom of religion. However, collective rights are held by a group of people rather than individuals such as self-determination rights. ● Developing recognition of human rights (general question) Outline how ONE human right has been legally recognised. (5 marks) (2011 HSC) Universal Suffrage is human right which gives individuals the legal right to vote in a democratic election. Previously, this right has been prejudiced and limited based on gender, race, religion and even nationality. The demand for suffrage for all men began in the 19 th Century which then prompted the creation of The Representation of The People Act (UK) . However, pressure still grew as women began to campaign for the right to vote. Consequently, in the 1920s, under the

nineteenth amendment, all women finally obtained the right to vote in elections. Despite this, race was still a substantial issue within Australia up until 1967 as Aboriginals and Torres strait islanders were yet to be included in the census. This year however, due to a constitutional referendum, Indigenous Australians were officially given the right to participate in democratic elections. ● developing recognition of human rights ○ the abolition of slavery Outline the role of law reform in the abolition of slavery. (5 marks) (2015 HSC) Law reform has not been completely effective in the abolition of slavery. Movements to abolish began as early as the 12 century and has been legal up until the 20 th Century. Slavery is a type of forced labour where the individual is considered to be the legal property of their ‘master’. The transatlantic slave trade took place around the 17 th – 19 th century which then gradually influenced abolitionism, changing societal views on slaves worldwide. It was during 1833 where slavery itself was abolished due to the passing of Slavery Abolition Act (UK) . However, Slavery still continued in southern states. At the end of the American Civil war, the constitution was amended to integrate the abolition of slavery. Moreover, there was further law reform under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in1948 and International Convention on Civil and Political Rights in 1966. But despite efforts at law reform, slavery still exists in a number of countries. ● developing recognition of human rights ○ trade unionism and labour rights Outline how trade unionism can protect labour rights. (3 marks) (2017 HSC) Trade Unionism played a significant role in establishing and protecting labour rights. They began to demand for better working conditions and sufficient wages. As a result, early trade unionists were imprisoned and received heavy penalties. However, they formed their own party and from the 19 th Century onwards, they began to ensure fair wages and conditions were maintain for all working individuals. ● developing recognition of human rights ○ universal suffrage Define universal suffrage and explain why it is an important human right (3 marks) (2021 Trial HSC) Universal Suffrage is the legal right individuals have to vote in a democratic election. This right is extremely important as it provides all individuals regardless of their gender, race or religion to have a choice

in their government. Moreover, it enables people to have a voice and speak out about what is important to them without subjugation. Outline how the right to universal suffrage has developed over time. (4 marks) (2019 HSC) Universal Suffrage is human right which gives individuals the legal right to vote in a democratic election. Previously, this right has been prejudiced and limited based on gender, race, religion and even nationality. The demand for suffrage for all men began in the 19 th Century which then prompted the creation of The Representation of The People Act (UK) . However, pressure still grew as women began to campaign for the right to vote. Consequently, in the 1920s, under the nineteenth amendment, all women finally obtained the right to vote in elections. Despite this, race was still a substantial issue within Australia up until 1967 as Aboriginals and Torres strait islanders were yet to be included in the census. This year however, due to a constitutional referendum, Indigenous Australians were officially given the right to participate in democratic elections. ● developing recognition of human rights ○ universal education How is the right to an education protected? (2 marks) (2013 HSC) The universal right to education enables all children to receive compulsory education up until the end of primary. This is established under article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). ● developing recognition of human rights ○ self-determination Why is self-determination a human right? (2 marks) (2018 HSC) Self-determination is a collective right that allows people of a territory or national grouping have the right to determine their own political status. This declaration is extremely important as it enables individuals’ control over their choices and lives. Define the right to self-determination. (2 marks) (2011 HSC) The right to self-determination is a declaration developed to enable the free right of a territory or national grouping to determine their own political status. ● developing recognition of human rights Not tested in past HSC questions. Suggested question: Outline how Environmental rights relate to many existing rights like the rights to life, health or property. There has been no universal recognition of

○ environmental rights environmental rights have developed over time (3 marks) environmental rights, however a few treaties have been put in place to attempt to deal with specific environmental threats. Two of which include the Stockholm Declaration (1972) and the Rio Declaration (1992). These treaties aim to deal with issues regarding global warming, marine pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer. The failure to universally recognise these issues is due to the failure of all states to commit to measures to benefit the global community. As a result, it has negatively impacted on the rights and living standards of millions of people on a global scale. ● developing recognition of human rights ○ peace rights Define peace rights. (2 marks) (2013 HSC) Peace rights are the fundamental right of all individuals to live free from conflict, war or any form of oppression. Peace rights are upheld under Article 1 of the UN charter which gives the United Nations the power to take measures to prevent threats against peace. ● formal statements of human rights ○ Universal Declaration of Human Rights Explain how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has contributed to the development of human rights (4 marks) (2021 trial HSC) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has been the catalyst for improving human rights and includes approximately 30 articles. These articles cover rights such as the right to adequate standards of living and freedom from slavery and torture. Despite its non-binding treaties, it has still inspired more than 200 conventions, declarations and bill of rights. The UDHR has become part of the international customary law and the foundational frame for the eight- core human right treaties. Outline how ONE international human rights document contributes to the development of human rights. (3 marks) (2014 HSC) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a great example of an international document that aims to protect human rights such as the right to freedom of speech and equity. Moreover, it promotes a range of individual and collective rights under the international law regardless of recognitions under domestic laws. ● formal statements of human rights How has the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contributed to the The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) obliges nations to respect the civil and political rights of individuals.

○ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights development of human rights (3 marks) (2020 HSC exam) This includes rights such as equality between men and women and well as freedom of thought. It has been ratified by 165 states, allowing it to successfully protect individuals from prejudices. Using an example, outline a key contribution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the development of human rights (2020 trial HSC) (3 marks) The ICCPR is a key contributor in enforcing human rights internationally. Article 9 states the individual’s right to a fair trial and presumption of innocent before guilty. This is a key contribution to the development of HR as it protects citizens from prejudiced judgement made based on malleable evidence, ethnicity, or religion. ● formal statements of human rights ○ International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Outline how ONE international human rights document contributes to the development of human rights. (3 marks) (2014 HSC) The international Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) obliges states to work towards granting economic, social and cultural rights to individuals. This international document contributes to the development of human rights by ensuring labour rights such as fair wages and adequate standards of living rights such as good education are upheld globally. 2. Promotion and enforcement of human rights Syllabus dot point Question Answer ● In the international community: ○ state sovereignty What impact does state sovereignty have on the protection of human rights? (3 marks) (2012 HSC) State sovereignty refers to a political entity that is represented by one centralised government and is a major issue in human rights. This is because by implementing sovereignty, no foreign state or law can interfere in another state’s jurisdiction unless it has consent from the government. This gives substantial power to the authoritative government and therefore increases the possible infringements of certain human rights of their citizens as the leaders do not have to be held accountable for their actions. ● In the international How does the United Nations promote human The United Nations is a huge organisation consisting of 193 state

community: ○ the roles of the United Nations rights? (4 marks) (2019 HSC) members. Its goal is to maintain international peace and promote and obliges countries to protect the human rights of their citizens. This organisation has five principal organs under the UN charter which all play a integral role protect human rights on a global scale. These organisations include the UN General Assembly, UN security Council, Economic and Social Council, UN secretariat, and the International Court of Justice. How does the United Nations assist in protecting human rights? (4 marks) (2013 HSC) The United Nation’s main role is to promote, and investigate human rights internationally. This organisation seeks to defend human rights through establishing treaties and legal documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Moreover, UN’s aim is to maintain peace and implement consequences on nations who breach human right laws. This obliges countries to ratify its laws into domestic legislation that meet UN standards for human rights. ● In the international community: ○ intergovernmental organisations Identify one intergovernmental organisation (1 mark) (2021 Trial HSC) The Commonwealth of Nations is an Intergovernmental Organisation which revolves around promoting democracy as well as human rights and individual liberty. Explain the role of intergovernmental organisations in enforcing human rights. Use an example to support your answer (5 marks) (2020 HSC exam) Intergovernmental Organisations are established by treaties that act as a charter. An example of an intergovernmental organisation is the Commonwealth of Nations. This organisation operates within a framework outlined in the Singapore Declaration and its role is to promote democracy as well as human rights and individual liberty. This organisation is made up to 54 members and even suspends nations due to serious or persistent violations and human rights abuses. For example, Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth after its military rulers failed to respond to

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