Rights, Duties & Values: Human & Moral Rights (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

What are human rights?

• Human rights are basic rights that belong to every person

• They are usually written into a country’s constitution or laws

• In the UK, human rights are protected through documents such as the Human Rights Act (1998)

• These rights include:

  • democratic rights, such as freedom of expression

  • legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial

  • social and economic rights such as access to education

  • moral and religious freedoms

• Human rights can be challenged or changed through courts or Parliament, but they must also be safeguarded by government and public authorities

What are moral rights?

• Moral rights come from personal beliefs about what is right or wrong. They are shaped by factors such as:

  • family upbringing

  • culture

  • religion

  • community expectations

• In some societies, such as a theocracy, where religious leaders hold political power, moral rules are set by religious teachings

  • This often leaves less space for individuals to form their own moral beliefs

• Moral rights are not always written into law, but they strongly influence how people behave

Human rights in the UK

Key human and moral freedoms enjoyed in UK society

• Rights come with responsibilities towards others

  • Respecting different beliefs and lifestyles

  • Not abusing freedoms to harm or exclude others

  • Accepting that freedoms may need balancing in society