SOME COMMON TERMINOLOGIES IN HUMAN RIGHT

Before I tell you about the rights you are entitled to as a Nigerian citizen, it’s important that I explain some terms, to make sure you understand our subsequent discussions as we make progress.

There are many terms in Human Rights Law, But I’ll explain just a few which are very common. However, do not hesitate to ask questions wherever you need clarifications. 

HUMAN RIGHTS: Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which human beings are entitled; the rights people are entitled to simply because they are human beings, irrespective of their citizenship, nationality, race, ethnicity, language, sex or abilities. They ensure people can live freely in the society. They ensure that people are treated fairly and with dignity, not like slaves or animals. Just because you’re a human being, you’re entitled to these rights and they are inalienable; they cannot be taken away.

INALIENABLE:  Simply put, it means something that cannot be taken away. Human rights cannot be taken away. However, in certain circumstances, they can be limited. In other words, because dem say you get freedom of speech no mean say make you go dey talk anyhow.

ABSOLUTE RIGHT: This kind of right can never be taken away no matter the circumstance. An example of this type of right is the right not to be tortured. Most people are not even aware that they have the right not to be tortured. Na so police go carry u shine for inside cell. It’s truly sad.

LIMITED RIGHT: A right that can be restricted only in some strictly defined circumstances. For instance, the right to personal liberty can be restricted where one has been convicted for a crime or when one is mentally ill and poses serious harm to himself or others. 

DIGNITY: A value owed to all humans to be treated with respect. It is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake, and to be treated ethically.

DISABILITY: A person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Example, someone who is blind, crippled, mentally ill etc.

EQUALITY: Equality is about ensuring that every person has an opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents, and believing that no one should have poorer life chances because of where or how they were born. Equality recognizes that historically, certain group of people with particular characteristics e.g those of certain races, disabled people and women, have experienced discrimination. Like Aisha Yesufu said, “we want a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody”. 

HARRASSMENT: A conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

JUSTICE: The moral principle ensuring fairness and reasonableness in the way people are treated, as well as the administration of the law, and the authority in maintaining this process. It is the attainment of that which is just. Everyone whose right has been violated deserves justice.

STEREOTYPES: Thinking all people who belong to a certain group are the same and labeling them. E.g, in Nigeria, dreadlocks, hair dyes and flashy cars mean you are an internet fraudster.  In fact, iPhone is a gun (pun intended).

UNIVERSAL: Something that applies everywhere and in all cases. Human rights are universal; they belong to everyone who is part of the human family. This is why it is important for everyone to know their rights under the Law in order to enjoy life.

Is there any other term you’ll like to understand better? Please drop them in the comment section. I’ll be very happy to help!