Religion, human rights and social justice · GCSE Religious Studies

Human rights and religious freedom

Human rights are basic rights for every person, set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) and in UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998.
Religious freedom is the right to follow any religion, or none. Religious believers may face conflicts when their beliefs and the law clash.

Prejudice is an unfair opinion about a person or group; discrimination is treating people unfairly. UK law bans discrimination (the Equality Act 2010).
Religions teach that all people are equal: they are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), all are 'one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:28), and the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) shows that everyone is our neighbour. In his Last Sermon, Muhammad taught that no race is superior to another.
Campaigners for justice include Martin Luther King (civil rights), Desmond Tutu (against apartheid in South Africa) and Malala Yousafzai (girls' education).

Wealth can be a blessing but must be used responsibly: 'the love of money is the root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10). Muslims give zakah, and Jews give tzedakah, as a duty.
Causes of poverty include unemployment, low wages, debt, family breakdown, addiction and natural disasters.
The poor can be exploited through very low pay, people trafficking and high-interest loans. Islam forbids charging interest (riba).
Religious responses include giving money and time, food banks, and charities such as Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Tzedek.

Human rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person.
Social justice: Fair treatment and equal opportunities for everyone in society.
Prejudice: An unfair opinion about a person or group, not based on facts.
Discrimination: Treating people unfairly because of prejudice.
Positive discrimination: Treating a group more favourably to make up for past unfairness.
Exploitation: Unfairly taking advantage of someone, such as by paying very low wages.
Tzedakah: Charity given by Jews as a duty of justice.
Riba: Charging interest on loans, which Islam forbids.