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Olamide
10/12/2025
Religious Studies
Human Rights Knowledge Organiser
153
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10 Dec 2025
•
Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Human Rights
Olamide
@olamide_26
1 / 5
Understanding Human Rights and Social Justice
Ever wondered what human rights actually mean for your daily life? They're the basic entitlements that every human being should have, like your right to education, freedom of expression, and simply being alive. The United Nations created 30 articles back in 1948 to protect these rights globally.
Amnesty International is one of the most powerful non-religious groups fighting for these rights worldwide. When governments deny people their basic freedoms, Amnesty organises protests, writes letters to world leaders, and educates people about ongoing abuses like slavery and inequality.
Social justice takes this further by promoting fairness and challenging injustice in society. Think of Oscar Romero, a Christian Archbishop who risked everything fighting for equality in El Salvador - he was actually killed for standing up to dictators and demanding better treatment for the poor.
Remember: Personal conviction means believing in something so strongly that you're willing to take risks for it - just like Malala Yousafzai, who started blogging at age 11 about girls' education rights in Pakistan and survived being shot for her beliefs.
Religious Views on Human Rights and Censorship Issues
Different religions approach human rights from unique perspectives, but they all emphasise human dignity. Christians believe everyone is "made in the image of God" and should show agape (unconditional love) to others. Buddhists focus on metta and karuna (loving kindness and compassion) whilst recognising that dukkha (suffering) exists due to human cravings and attachments.
Censorship becomes tricky when it clashes with freedom of expression. The Charlie Hebdo incident perfectly illustrates this - the French magazine published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, which deeply offended Muslims and led to a deadly terrorist attack. This raises complex questions about balancing free speech with religious sensitivity.
Religious expression through clothing, evangelism, and conversion attempts can also create tensions. Whilst many faiths encourage spreading their message, others find conversion efforts disrespectful.
Think about it: How do we balance someone's right to express their beliefs with another person's right not to be offended or pressured?
Religious extremism occurs when people interpret scriptures in dangerous ways, believing their extreme actions will be rewarded in the afterlife - leading to terrorist attacks or violent protests.
Tackling Discrimination and Fighting for Equality
Prejudice and discrimination still affect millions of people today, even in the UK. Prejudice means pre-judging someone as inferior without cause, whilst discrimination involves actually treating people differently based on these unfair judgements.
Religious discrimination includes name-calling, attacking places of worship, or preventing people from wearing religious symbols. However, many religious communities fight back peacefully - Muslims host 'Visit my Mosque' days to break down stereotypes, and schools teach about different religions to reduce ignorance.
Martin Luther King Jr remains the perfect example of peaceful resistance to racism. This Christian minister used non-violent protests like bus boycotts and sit-ins, inspired by Jesus' teachings to "turn the other cheek" and avoid violence. His famous "I have a dream" speech still inspires people fighting discrimination today.
Key insight: Both Christianity and Buddhism emphasise treating everyone equally - Christians because all are "made in the image of God," and Buddhists because of their principle "do not harm any living being."
Even today, discrimination persists - women often earn less than men in city jobs, and Catholic women still can't become priests.
Wealth, Poverty and Religious Responses
Understanding absolute poverty versus relative poverty is crucial for grasping global inequality. Absolute poverty means lacking basic human needs like food and shelter, whilst relative poverty compares your situation to others in your society - like being homeless in the wealthy UK.
Surprisingly, even wealthy Britain has 2 million malnourished people and 3.7 million children living in poverty. Fairtrade companies try to address global inequality by paying workers in developing countries fairly for their products.
Christian responses to wealth focus on using money responsibly since people will be judged on their actions, not their bank balance. Jesus told his followers to help the marginalised, as shown in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man - the poor man went to heaven whilst the selfish rich man went to hell.
Buddhist teachings emphasise the Middle Way after Buddha experienced both extreme luxury and poverty. Greed is one of the three poisons that trap people in the cycle of rebirth, whilst wanting material things increases dukkha (suffering).
Real impact: Christian Aid and Karuna Trust put these beliefs into action - Christian Aid works globally on poverty whilst Karuna Trust specifically fights India's caste system to create equality.
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Most popular content: Buddhism
Most popular content in Religious Studies
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Human Rights
Olamide
@olamide_26
Human rights affect every single person on the planet - including you! Understanding what they are and how different people fight for them isn't just important for your exams, but it also helps you recognise when rights are being violated... Show more
Understanding Human Rights and Social Justice
Ever wondered what human rights actually mean for your daily life? They're the basic entitlements that every human being should have, like your right to education, freedom of expression, and simply being alive. The United Nations created 30 articles back in 1948 to protect these rights globally.
Amnesty International is one of the most powerful non-religious groups fighting for these rights worldwide. When governments deny people their basic freedoms, Amnesty organises protests, writes letters to world leaders, and educates people about ongoing abuses like slavery and inequality.
Social justice takes this further by promoting fairness and challenging injustice in society. Think of Oscar Romero, a Christian Archbishop who risked everything fighting for equality in El Salvador - he was actually killed for standing up to dictators and demanding better treatment for the poor.
Remember: Personal conviction means believing in something so strongly that you're willing to take risks for it - just like Malala Yousafzai, who started blogging at age 11 about girls' education rights in Pakistan and survived being shot for her beliefs.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Religious Views on Human Rights and Censorship Issues
Different religions approach human rights from unique perspectives, but they all emphasise human dignity. Christians believe everyone is "made in the image of God" and should show agape (unconditional love) to others. Buddhists focus on metta and karuna (loving kindness and compassion) whilst recognising that dukkha (suffering) exists due to human cravings and attachments.
Censorship becomes tricky when it clashes with freedom of expression. The Charlie Hebdo incident perfectly illustrates this - the French magazine published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, which deeply offended Muslims and led to a deadly terrorist attack. This raises complex questions about balancing free speech with religious sensitivity.
Religious expression through clothing, evangelism, and conversion attempts can also create tensions. Whilst many faiths encourage spreading their message, others find conversion efforts disrespectful.
Think about it: How do we balance someone's right to express their beliefs with another person's right not to be offended or pressured?
Religious extremism occurs when people interpret scriptures in dangerous ways, believing their extreme actions will be rewarded in the afterlife - leading to terrorist attacks or violent protests.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Tackling Discrimination and Fighting for Equality
Prejudice and discrimination still affect millions of people today, even in the UK. Prejudice means pre-judging someone as inferior without cause, whilst discrimination involves actually treating people differently based on these unfair judgements.
Religious discrimination includes name-calling, attacking places of worship, or preventing people from wearing religious symbols. However, many religious communities fight back peacefully - Muslims host 'Visit my Mosque' days to break down stereotypes, and schools teach about different religions to reduce ignorance.
Martin Luther King Jr remains the perfect example of peaceful resistance to racism. This Christian minister used non-violent protests like bus boycotts and sit-ins, inspired by Jesus' teachings to "turn the other cheek" and avoid violence. His famous "I have a dream" speech still inspires people fighting discrimination today.
Key insight: Both Christianity and Buddhism emphasise treating everyone equally - Christians because all are "made in the image of God," and Buddhists because of their principle "do not harm any living being."
Even today, discrimination persists - women often earn less than men in city jobs, and Catholic women still can't become priests.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Wealth, Poverty and Religious Responses
Understanding absolute poverty versus relative poverty is crucial for grasping global inequality. Absolute poverty means lacking basic human needs like food and shelter, whilst relative poverty compares your situation to others in your society - like being homeless in the wealthy UK.
Surprisingly, even wealthy Britain has 2 million malnourished people and 3.7 million children living in poverty. Fairtrade companies try to address global inequality by paying workers in developing countries fairly for their products.
Christian responses to wealth focus on using money responsibly since people will be judged on their actions, not their bank balance. Jesus told his followers to help the marginalised, as shown in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man - the poor man went to heaven whilst the selfish rich man went to hell.
Buddhist teachings emphasise the Middle Way after Buddha experienced both extreme luxury and poverty. Greed is one of the three poisons that trap people in the cycle of rebirth, whilst wanting material things increases dukkha (suffering).
Real impact: Christian Aid and Karuna Trust put these beliefs into action - Christian Aid works globally on poverty whilst Karuna Trust specifically fights India's caste system to create equality.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Buddhism
Most popular content in Religious Studies
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user