Human Rights

The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, such as life, liberty, privacy, and a fair trial.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

A document created in 1948 that sets out the fundamental human rights everyone is entitled to.

Social Justice

The concept of ensuring fairness, equality, and equal treatment for all people in society.

Link Between Human Rights and Social Justice

→ If human rights are not respected, social injustices occur; protecting human rights helps create a fair society.

Social Injustice

→ Unfair treatment or inequality that results when human rights are denied or ignored.

Poverty

→ A state where people lack the basic resources or opportunities needed to live with dignity, often caused by misfortune or social inequality.

Short-Term Aid (Emergency Aid)

Immediate help given after disasters or crises, such as food, shelter, or medical care; provides survival support but doesn’t solve long-term issues.

Long-Term Aid (Sustainable Aid)

Assistance that helps people become self-reliant, such as education, training, and tools; tackles root causes of poverty but takes time.

Pros of Short-Term Aid

→ Provides quick relief, shows compassion, and helps people survive emergencies.

Cons of Short-Term Aid

→ Does not address the underlying causes of poverty; only a temporary solution.

Pros of Long-Term Aid

Helps communities become self-sufficient and reduces long-term poverty.

Cons of Long-Term Aid

→ Takes time to show results and may require ongoing support.

Christian View on Helping the Poor

→ Christians believe they have a duty from God to show compassion and help those in need (“Love thy neighbour”).

Christian Aid

→ A Christian charity that provides both short- and long-term aid to fight poverty and promote justice.

Buddhist View on Helping the Poor

→ Buddhists believe in showing genuine compassion and practical help to reduce suffering and promote equality.

Karuna Trust

→ A Buddhist charity that supports fair trade, equality, and community projects to help those in poverty.

Moral Duty to Help Others

Both Christians and Buddhists believe it is a spiritual and ethical responsibility to help those in need.

Connection Between Religion and Social Justice

→ Many religions encourage compassion, fairness, and helping others as ways to achieve social justice and uphold human rights.