December Topic: Human Rights Day

December 10th is HUMAN RIGHTS DAY as proclaimed by the United Nations in 1950. Drafted in 1948 by a mix of representatives from around the world, the Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN to help protect all people in the world from oppression and discrimination. While this might be a sensitive topic for some of your ESL students, reading and discussing the 30 Declarations of Human Rights could lead to some stimulating conversations (and writing topics) on current world issues.

WARM-UP CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON HUMAN RIGHTS By ESL Made Easy:

1. What do we need, as human beings, to survive? Do these needs change from person to person? What about from country to country? Explain.
2. If animals are kept as companions, what rights should they be entitled to? Are there any laws for pet owners in your country? What about laws to protect wild animals?
3. How are the elderly viewed in your country of origin? Do they face any specific challenges in terms of protecting their human rights? If so, what measures are being taken to protect them?
4. Privacy is a human right. Do you think this human right has been violated due to technology and social media over the years? If so, explain.
5. Everyone has a right to 'Rest and Relaxation'. What does this mean to you and how is this right being met in schools and workplaces in your country?

RECOMMENDED LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF HUMAN RIGHTS:

ESL Holiday Lessons: Reading and follow up activities on Human Rights Day
ESL Video: The History of Human Rights with follow up questions
Learning To Give: A simplified list of the 30 Declarations of Human Rights: Have students explain which each one means
YouTube: Read and listen to all 30 Universal Declaration of Human Rights
YouTube: Short video on the Declaration of Human Rights
YouTube: Visual video on the Declaration of Human Rights
ESL Printables: Human Rights worksheets - membership site
ISO Collective: Printable Human Rights visual graphic - donation site
ISL Collective: 11 free Human Rights worksheets
English Exercises: Video and fill in gaps activity on the Violation of Human Rights
Amnesty International USA: A collection of lesson plans on Human Rights Education
Famous People Lessons: A reading with follow up activities about Nelson Mandela
Really Learn English: PDF lesson and worksheets on Nelson Mandela
EL Civics: Rosa Parks Lesson
Good Reads: Quotes about Human Rights
Breaking News English: Reading and follow up activities: "The Internet is a Human Right"