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What are the universal human rights? - Benedetta Berti

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The basic idea of human rights is that each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are born, is entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms. That may sound straightforward enough, but it gets incredibly complicated as soon as anyone tries to put the idea into practice. What exactly are the basic human rights? Who gets to pick them? Who enforces them—and how? Benedetta Berti explores the subtleties of human rights.

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Meet The Creators

  • Educator Benedetta Berti
  • Director Sarah Saidan
  • Animator Amin Haghshenas
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Narrator Susan Zimmerman
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by TED-Ed

Humans around the planet are working hard to protect habitat. Are these conservation efforts enough, or is it too late for us to sustain the ecosystems that we all rely on? 1. What do you think is the most important and neglected human right? Why? 2. Look at your own country: do you think human rights are upheld and protected where you live? Why/why not?

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Avatar for Kruze Lani
Lesson completed

1. The most important and ignored human right is the right to land and or resources, especially here on Moloka'i, where our culture is tied to the land, but... the government took away what was ours.

2. On Moloka'i, we try to keep our rights, but it’s tough because things like corrupted government control and slimy land deals are changing how we live and taking over our culture.


Avatar for S421-Kailie Kaauwai
Lesson completed

I think the most important and neglected human right is the right to a clean and healthy environment. This right is essential for our survival and well-being, yet it is often overlooked or undervalued. Without a healthy environment, we cannot have access to clean air, water, or food, which are all fundamental human needs. In the United States, human rights are generally upheld and protected, but there are still many areas where improvements can be made. For example, racial and economic inequality, access to healthcare, and the criminal justice system are all areas where human rights are not always fully respected.


Avatar for kai kua
Lesson completed

These are important questions that highlight the intersection of environmental sustainability and human rights.

1. Most Important and Neglected Human Right
I believe the right to a healthy environment is one of the most important and often neglected human rights. This right is crucial because a healthy environment is fundamental to the enjoyment of all other rights, including the right to health, food, water, and life itself. Without a stable climate and intact ecosystems, the basic needs and freedoms of individuals and communities can be severely compromised. Despite its importance, this right is not universally recognized or enforced, leading to environmental degradation and health crises that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

2. Human Rights in My Country
While I don’t have a specific country, the general trend can vary widely. In many places, human rights are upheld to some extent, but significant challenges remain. Factors such as political will, economic ineq


Avatar for Pua g
Lesson completed

I believe that the most neglected human right is the right to access clean water and sanitation. This right is fundamental because clean water is essential for health, survival, and dignity. Without access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, people are at risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and other health issues, which can severely impact their lives. In my country, the protection of human rights can be inconsistent. While there are laws that support basic rights, there are still significant gaps, especially for marginalized groups such as immigrants and low-income families.


Avatar for S421-Maya Ignacio
Lesson completed

The most neglected human right is the right to a healthy environment. While the US has legal frameworks for human rights, challenges like racial discrimination and unequal access to healthcare persist.


Avatar for Kaiya Dunnam Enos
Lesson in progress

The most important and neglected human right is the right to a clean and healthy environment. This right is essential for our survival and well-being, yet it is often overlooked or violated. We need clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy ecosystems to support our food and other resources. However, human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change are damaging our environment and putting our health at risk.


Avatar for S421-'Olana Kaai-Phifer
Lesson completed

I think a neglected human right that could be discussed is the right to a fair trial. While this right is enshrined in the law, it is often violated in many parts of the world. This is because it is often difficult to ensure that everyone has access to legal representation that evidence is gathered and presented fairly, and that judges are fair. This can lead to wrongful convictions, unjust sentences, and a denial of basic human dignity. Where i come from, i don't know much about it law wise but i think my community is protected and safe for the most part.


Avatar for Arieana-Akira Quintia-Hanaoka
Lesson completed

In my state, human rights are upheld in many ways, but there are also challenges. For example, while there are laws that protect people’s rights, some groups still face discrimination and inequality. Issues like access to clean water and a healthy environment can be overlooked. So, while there are protections in place, there’s still work to be done to ensure that everyone’s rights are fully respected and protected.


Avatar for Thành Nguyễn
Lesson completed

It is too late for us to sustain the ecosystems that we all rely on, I think. Because with the desire of personal needs in each people, we're nearly destroyed our habitat. The most important human right is freedom and right to speak up, not to suffer from authorities. And human is neglected some things such as financial aid, education and children's right. In my country, human rights are upheld and protected rigid.


Avatar for Graceson Frate
Lesson completed

It is too late for us to sustain the ecosystems since we have applied too much industrial and counterproductive measures on the environment, and we are also using too much of our nonrenewable sources. The most important human right is the right to live, as it allows a human to be alive and born. In my country, The United States, some human rights are neglected such as the right of education, housing, and financial aid.

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