Civil and political rights facts for kids

Savka Dabčević-Kučar, a leader in the Croatian Spring movement.

Civil and political rights are special rules that protect your freedom from governments, groups, and even other people. They make sure you can take part in society and your country without being treated unfairly or stopped from doing things.

These rights help keep you safe, both physically and mentally. They protect you from being treated differently because of your race, gender, where you come from, your age, or your religion. They also include important personal freedoms like the freedom to think what you want, say what you think, practice your religion, and move around freely.

Political rights are about fairness in law and being able to take part in how your country is run. This includes having a fair trial, being able to ask for help from the law, and having the right to join groups, gather peacefully, and vote.

Civil and political rights are a big part of human rights around the world. They are the first section of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is a very important document for everyone.

Protecting Your Rights

These rights were some of the first to be written down and protected. Many countries include them in their constitution or a special document called a bill of rights.

It's sometimes debated who these rights apply to. In some places, citizens have more protection than non-citizens. However, civil and political rights are generally seen as universal. This means they should apply to all people, no matter where they are from.

Movements for Civil Rights

Many groups have worked hard to get civil rights for everyone. Most of these groups used civil resistance. This means they used peaceful ways to reach their goals. In some countries, the fight for civil rights also involved protests and even armed conflicts.

Over the last 60 years, civil rights movements have helped expand these rights for many people. But it has often been a long and difficult process. Some movements are still working to achieve their goals fully.

What are Civil Rights?

Here are some important civil rights that apply to everyone:

• The right to life
  • Every person has the right to live.
  • This right is protected by law.
  • No one can take another person's life without a legal reason.

• The right to a fair trial
  • Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
  • You should be treated equally in courts.
  • You have the right to a public trial before a fair and unbiased court.

• The freedom from torture
  • Every person has the right to be free from torture.
  • You should not face cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

• The freedom of speech
  • You have the right to express yourself freely.
  • This right can sometimes be limited if it causes serious public harm.
  • For example, you cannot falsely shout "fire!" in a crowded place and cause panic.

• The right to privacy
  • This right protects you from others interfering with your personal life.
  • It includes your family, home, and private messages.
  • No one should interfere with these things without a legal reason.

• The rights of liberty and security
  • You have the right to be free and safe.
  • No one can arrest or hold you without a legal reason.
  • Your freedom can only be taken away through a proper legal process.

• The right of asylum
  • This is the right to seek safety in another country.
  • It applies if you are being treated unfairly or are in danger in your home country.
  • This right was included when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was first written.

What are Political Rights?

Political rights help you take part in your country's government and society:

• The right to natural justice
  • This means you have the right to a fair hearing.
  • It's also known by the Latin phrase Audi alteram partem, which means "hear the other side."

• The right to due process
  • This means you have the right to fair legal procedures.
  • It ensures that legal actions follow established rules and principles.

• The right to seek legal redress
  • Everyone has the right to use the court system.
  • You can bring a lawsuit against another person, group, or government.
  • This is how you can seek justice or a solution for a problem.

• The right to Political participation
  • You have the right to take part in your country's government.
  • You can do this directly or by choosing your representatives.

• The right to assemble
  • You have the right to gather peacefully with others.
  • You also have the right to join groups or associations.
  • No one can force you to belong to a group you don't want to join.

• The right to petition
  • This is the right to complain about unfairness.
  • It means your complaints should be heard by those in power.
  • Many international agreements protect this right for individuals.

• The right of self-defense
  • This right allows you to defend yourself against immediate harm.
  • It applies if someone attacks you.
  • It also applies to countries defending themselves against attack.

• The right to vote
  • This right was first granted by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • It means you can vote in elections.
  • You also have the right to be elected to office.
  • Voting should be by secret ballot, and all adults should have the right to vote.

See also

In Spanish: Derechos civiles y políticos para niños