Theory question 103
Citizenship, Rights and DutiesSection A
Explain the term Fundamental Human Rights. Why is it entrenched in a constitution?
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Meaning: basic rights every person is entitled to as a human being, recognised and protected by law (e.g. life, dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy, freedom of thought, religion, expression, assembly, movement, freedom from discrimination)
Why entrenched: to protect citizens from arbitrary use of power by government
To make the rights hard to remove or amend
To give citizens a legal basis to go to court when rights are violated
To limit the powers of rulers and prevent dictatorship
To follow international standards (UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, African Charter)
To promote democracy and the rule of law
Give examples of rights before explaining the reasons for entrenchment.