1. Online Legal Resources

Websites and apps that provide legal information and resources have democratized access to legal knowledge. These platforms offer a range of services, from simple legal FAQs to comprehensive guides on navigating the legal system. For marginalized communities, these resources can be a lifeline, providing critical information that helps them understand their rights and options.

2. Virtual Legal Clinics

Virtual legal clinics allow individuals to consult with legal professionals remotely, eliminating the need for travel and reducing costs. These clinics often operate on a pro bono basis, providing free legal advice to those who cannot afford traditional legal services. This model has proven particularly effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person consultations were not possible.

3. Document Automation

Document automation software helps streamline the creation of legal documents, making it easier for individuals to draft and file necessary paperwork. This technology is especially beneficial for those who need to handle legal matters independently due to a lack of resources. Automated tools can assist in generating forms for various legal processes, such as filing for protective orders or preparing wills and contracts.

4. AI and Chatbots

Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are being used to provide immediate legal assistance and guidance. These tools can answer common legal questions, guide users through legal procedures, and even help prepare documents. While they do not replace human lawyers, they provide a valuable first point of contact for individuals seeking legal help.

Building Legal Networks and Alliances
Creating strong networks and alliances is another crucial aspect of effective legal advocacy. By collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders, legal advocates can amplify their impact and provide more comprehensive support to marginalized communities.

1. Partnerships with NGOs

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often work closely with legal advocates to provide a broad range of services. These partnerships can offer holistic support, addressing not only legal needs but also related issues such as housing, employment, and healthcare. For example, a legal clinic might partner with an NGO that provides social services to ensure that clients receive well-rounded assistance.

2. Alliances with Academic Institutions

Universities and law schools can be valuable partners in legal advocacy efforts. Law students often participate in clinical programs where they gain practical experience while providing free legal services to the community. These programs benefit both the students, who receive hands-on training, and the community members, who gain access to legal support.

3. Collaborations with Government Agencies

Working with government agencies can help legal advocates influence policy and improve the implementation of laws. These collaborations can also facilitate access to resources and information that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. For instance, a partnership with a housing authority could help legal advocates address issues related to tenant rights and eviction prevention.

Advocacy Through Media and Public Campaigns
Media and public campaigns play a vital role in legal advocacy by raising awareness, educating the public, and putting pressure on policymakers to enact change.

1. Social Media Campaigns

Social media platforms are powerful tools for mobilizing support and spreading information quickly. Legal advocacy organizations use social media to highlight issues, share success stories, and call for action. Effective social media campaigns can engage a broad audience and generate significant public support for legal reforms.

2. Public Awareness Programs

Public awareness programs aim to educate individuals about their rights and the legal resources available to them. These programs often include workshops, seminars, and community outreach events. By increasing legal literacy, these initiatives empower individuals to advocate for themselves and seek justice.

3. Media Partnerships

Collaborating with media outlets can amplify advocacy efforts by reaching a wider audience. Journalists can help bring attention to legal issues affecting marginalized communities and highlight the work of legal advocates. Media coverage can also put pressure on authorities to address systemic problems and implement reforms.

Sustaining Advocacy Efforts
Sustaining long-term advocacy efforts requires continuous funding, dedicated personnel, and community support. Ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of legal advocacy programs involves several strategies.

1. Securing Funding

Obtaining funding from diverse sources is critical for the sustainability of legal advocacy initiatives. This can include grants from foundations, donations from individuals, and support from government programs. Crowdfunding campaigns and fundraising events are also effective ways to generate financial support.

2. Training and Development

Investing in the training and development of legal advocates is essential for maintaining high-quality services. Continuous education on legal developments, advocacy strategies, and community engagement ensures that advocates remain effective and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities.

3. Building Community Trust

Building and maintaining trust within the community is crucial for the success of legal advocacy programs. This involves being transparent about operations, actively listening to community needs, and consistently delivering on promises. Community trust fosters collaboration and encourages individuals to seek legal assistance.

Empowering marginalized communities through legal advocacy requires a multifaceted approach that leverages technology, builds strong networks, utilizes media, and ensures sustainable operations. By employing these strategies, legal advocates can break down barriers to justice, uphold the rights of vulnerable populations, and contribute to the creation of a more equitable society. As the field of legal advocacy continues to evolve, the integration of innovative tools and collaborative efforts will be key to driving meaningful change and ensuring that all individuals have access to justice and equality.

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Marginalized communities often face systemic barriers that impede their access to justice and equality. Legal advocacy serves as a powerful tool to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that vulnerable populations can assert their rights and improve their socio-economic conditions. This article explores various case studies and best practices in legal advocacy that have successfully empowered marginalized communities.

Case Study: The Impact of Legal Advocacy on Indigenous Land Rights

One notable example of legal advocacy is the fight for indigenous land rights. Indigenous communities worldwide have long struggled to protect their ancestral lands from encroachment and exploitation. Legal advocacy has played a crucial role in securing land rights for these communities.

In Brazil, for instance, the indigenous Xingu peoples have used legal channels to protect their territories from deforestation and illegal mining. “Legal advocacy has been instrumental in safeguarding our land and culture,” states Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent leader of the Xingu. By leveraging national and international legal frameworks, the Xingu have successfully halted several projects that threatened their environment and way of life.

Case Study: Advancing Women’s Rights Through Legal Action

Women’s rights organizations have also utilized legal advocacy to combat gender-based discrimination and violence. In India, the case of Vishakha vs. State of Rajasthan marked a significant victory for women’s rights. This landmark case led to the creation of legal guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Legal advocacy was pivotal in transforming workplace policies and ensuring safer environments for women,” notes Kavita Krishnan, a women’s rights activist. The Vishakha guidelines have since been integrated into national legislation, offering women legal recourse against workplace harassment.

Case Study: Legal Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights

Legal advocacy has been essential in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In the United States, the case of Obergefell vs. Hodges, which led to the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide, exemplifies the power of legal action.

“Winning the Obergefell case was a monumental step towards equality for LGBTQ+ people,” says Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff. This case set a precedent that has inspired further legal battles for LGBTQ+ rights across the globe.

Best Practices in Legal Advocacy

1. Community Engagement

Effective legal advocacy begins with engaging the community. Advocates must understand the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups to represent their interests accurately. Grassroots organizations often play a crucial role in bridging the gap between legal advocates and the communities they serve.

“Community involvement ensures that advocacy efforts are grounded in the actual needs and experiences of the people,” explains Maria Hernandez, a community organizer.

2. Strategic Litigation

Strategic litigation involves selecting cases that have the potential to set significant legal precedents. This approach not only addresses individual grievances but also brings about broader social change.

“Strategic litigation can transform legal landscapes, creating ripple effects that benefit entire communities,” asserts legal scholar Dr. Rachel Jones.

3. Capacity Building

Building the capacity of marginalized communities to understand and assert their rights is vital. Legal literacy programs and training workshops empower individuals to navigate the legal system and advocate for themselves.

“Empowering people with knowledge about their rights is the first step towards meaningful change,” emphasizes advocate Lisa Green.

4. Collaboration with Other Sectors

Legal advocacy is most effective when it collaborates with other sectors, such as education, healthcare, and social services. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that legal interventions address the root causes of marginalization.

“Cross-sector collaboration enhances the impact of legal advocacy by providing holistic support to marginalized communities,” notes Dr. Sam Patel, a social policy expert.

5. Policy Advocacy

In addition to individual cases, legal advocates must work towards policy changes that institutionalize protections for marginalized groups. This involves lobbying for legislative reforms and engaging in public campaigns to shift societal attitudes.

“Policy advocacy creates sustainable change by embedding protections within the legal framework,” says analyst from best casino online australia.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, legal advocacy faces several challenges. Resource constraints, political resistance, and the complexity of legal systems can hinder efforts to achieve justice. Additionally, there is often a significant gap between legal victories and their implementation on the ground.

To address these challenges, legal advocates must continue to innovate and adapt. Embracing technology, such as digital platforms for legal advice and case management, can expand access to legal services. Moreover, fostering international solidarity and learning from global best practices can strengthen advocacy efforts.

Legal advocacy remains a powerful instrument for empowering marginalized communities. By engaging communities, employing strategic litigation, building capacity, collaborating across sectors, and advocating for policy change, legal advocates can drive meaningful social transformation. As the landscape of human rights continues to evolve, the role of legal advocacy will be crucial in ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.

“Empowering marginalized communities through legal advocacy is not just about winning cases; it’s about building a more just and equitable society,” concludes human rights lawyer Michael Thompson. Through persistent and innovative efforts, legal advocates can help dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting change for the betterment of all.

The post Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Legal Advocacy: Case Studies and Best Practices appeared first on Alert-Rights.

What Are Human Rights?

Let’s define human rights in detail before we get to the meat of the matter. These are the unalienable rights, safeguards, and liberties that every person is entitled to. Human rights were first formalised worldwide after World War II with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which were based on the idea of natural law. They transcend boundaries, cultures, and political systems. It’s comparable to a social contract that each of us has with all of humanity.

The Universality of Human Rights

The astounding aspect of human rights is its applicability to everyone. No matter your nationality, colour, or religion, you are born with certain rights. They are widely acknowledged and serve as the basis for numerous international laws and treaties. Human rights serve as a common language that unifies us, from global organisations like the United Nations to regional organisations like the European Union.

Reason 1: Preserving Human Dignity

The upholding of human dignity is at the heart of human rights. It entails defending people from exploitation, abuse, and brutal treatment. In order to combat sexual harassment and racial discrimination, human rights are crucial, as demonstrated by movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. These movements spread because they speak to our shared ideals of what human dignity ought to be.

Reason 2: Ensuring Equality

The biggest leveller in the world is human rights. They make sure that everyone has access to the same freedoms and safeguards, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or economic situation. Human rights work to create a level playing field where everyone starts a race from the same starting line.

Reason 3: Social Harmony and Peace

Respecting human rights reduces the likelihood of conflict and war. Human rights assist settle conflicts by establishing a baseline for fair treatment, whether they be between individuals or between governments. They act as the game’s referee, making sure everyone abides by the rules and fostering more peaceful cooperation.

Reason 4: Moral and Ethical Foundation

Human rights provide a moral and ethical foundation that cuts across cultural barriers. They operate as the global consciousness, directing how people and nations interact with one another. They serve as the foundational elements of a just society.

Reason 5: Rule of Law

Human rights are in many respects the foundation of the rule of law in any democratic society. They serve as the basis for the laws that keep us all accountable, just, and treated equally. They stop the arbitrary use of authority and provide people who are wronged with legal remedy.

Reason 6: Democracy and Governance

Human rights and democracy coexist harmoniously. For a democratic political system to work, there must be rights such as the freedom of expression, the freedom of assembly, and the right to a fair trial. These rights allow individuals to have an impact on decisions either directly or through elected officials.

Reason 7: Economic Development

You might be surprised to learn that human rights play a big part in economic progress. A society where people’s rights are upheld frequently has a higher level of stability and investment appeal. People’s ability to productively contribute to the economy is ensured by their rights to education, employment, and fair compensation.

Reason 8: Promoting Education and Healthcare

Human rights have a big impact on fields like education and health care. It is a human right to have access to high-quality healthcare and education, and when these rights are upheld, a society is more likely to be prosperous and flourish. People who are educated and in good health are more productive and better able to improve their communities.

Reason 9: Encouraging Personal Responsibility

Human rights are about more than simply your rights; they’re also about your obligations to other people and to society. This two-way street makes sure that while you enjoy your freedoms, you also respect the rights and freedoms of others, fostering a social structure with a healthy balance.

Reason 10: Safeguarding the Vulnerable

Children, the elderly, refugees, and minorities are all examples of vulnerable people that human rights have a special role in defending. They shield these groups from exploitation and abuse by providing an additional line of defence and avenues for legal action.

The Road Ahead

The journey for human rights is ongoing. While we’ve come a long way, challenges like social inequality, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts keep raising new questions. But having human rights as a guiding framework makes tackling these challenges a bit more manageable.

Conclusion

So, wrapping it up—human rights aren’t just a lofty ideal or a legal requirement; they’re essential for the betterment of humanity as a whole. They touch every facet of our lives and are the “right” way to approach the complexities of human interaction. Never underestimate the power of human rights; they are, quite literally, what makes us human.

The post 10 Reasons Why Human Rights Are Important appeared first on Alert-Rights.

Your Rights as a Casino Player

Fair Game Play

Every player has the right to a fair game. Casinos are regulated to ensure that all games—from slots to table games like Blackjack and Poker—are fair and not rigged in the casino’s favor beyond the house edge. In many jurisdictions, gaming commissions or similar bodies oversee this.

Information Access

Players should have access to information about the rules of each game, the odds, and the payouts. This is especially crucial in the online sphere, where you should be able to find this information easily on the casino’s website.

Security and Privacy

Whether online or in a physical casino, you have the right to a secure environment. Online casinos should use secure SSL encryption to protect your data. Physical casinos have surveillance and security measures in place for your protection.

Self-Exclusion

If gambling becomes a problem, players have the right to exclude themselves from a casino. Some online platforms even allow you to self-exclude from multiple casinos at once, which can be beneficial for players with gambling addictions. Websites like https://casinoudendansklicens.org/casino-uden-om-rofus/ offer more information about self-exclusion and how to find casinos that respect this choice.

Your Obligations as a Casino Player: A Deeper Dive

Understanding your obligations as a casino player not only helps you become a better, more informed player but also contributes to a safer, more enjoyable gambling environment for everyone. Below, we elaborate on some of the key obligations that every casino player should keep in mind.

Know the Rules

Understanding Game Mechanics

Every game has its own set of rules, strategies, and odds. Take Blackjack, for example. On the surface, it seems simple—get as close to 21 without going over. But did you know that the house edge changes based on the specific rules of the table or that different strategies can reduce that edge? Knowledge like this can make a difference in your gaming experience. Always take time to read or inquire about the rules before sitting down at a table or slot machine.

Variations and House Rules

Be aware that some casinos have specific “house rules” that might differ from what you’re used to. This is especially true in poker rooms or in games that have multiple variations like poker or roulette. Always read the guidelines or ask the dealer if you’re not sure about something.

Legal Obligations

Certain rules aren’t just for the game but also align with legal regulations. For example, “card counting” in Blackjack isn’t illegal, but casinos reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Knowing the legal landscape can help you navigate the fine line between strategy and unlawful behavior.

Play Responsibly

Financial Management

Responsible gaming starts with managing your bankroll effectively. This means setting a budget for your gambling activities and sticking to it. It’s tempting to chase losses or double down when you’re on a winning streak, but the savvy player knows that gambling should never risk more money than they can afford to lose.

Time Management

The old adage “time flies when you’re having fun” is never truer than in a casino. With no clocks and an atmosphere designed to make you lose track of time, it’s easy to play for hours on end. Responsible players set not just financial limits but also time limits to ensure that gambling remains a leisure activity and doesn’t interfere with other life responsibilities.

Emotional Check-In

It’s crucial to monitor your emotional state when gambling. If you find yourself becoming too emotional, frustrated, or desperate, it’s a clear sign to step away. The thrill of the game can become problematic if it leads to irrational decisions or addictive behavior.

Utilizing Self-Exclusion and Support Services

Recognize when you need to step back from gambling altogether. Many casinos and online platforms offer self-exclusion options, which can be a crucial tool for those struggling with a gambling problem. Support services and helplines are also available for players who find that gambling is affecting their mental health or financial stability.

Honor the Social Contract

In a physical casino, it’s essential to behave in a manner that ensures a good time for everyone. Being loud, obnoxious, or cheating disrupts the experience for everyone else and can lead to you being banned from the establishment.

Meet Legal Requirements

Players must be of the legal gambling age in their jurisdiction. In the U.S., this is usually 21 for casinos. You are also responsible for paying any taxes on your winnings.

No Abuse or Exploitation

When we talk about abuse or exploitation in the context of casino gaming, we’re referring to a wide array of unethical, dishonest, or disruptive behaviors that violate the established rules and social norms of casino gaming. Just like any other community or social setting, a casino relies on a baseline level of decorum and fairness to maintain an enjoyable atmosphere for all. The importance of ethical gaming can’t be overstated; it’s not just about keeping the game fair for you, but also for your fellow players and the house itself.

Final Thoughts

Gambling can be a thrilling experience, but it’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations as a casino player. Doing so ensures that the odds—while always in the house’s favor—are as fair as they can be and that your experience remains a positive one.

So the next time the bright lights and the allure of the jackpot beckon, remember—you’re not just a player; you’re also a participant in a legal and social contract. Play wisely.

The post Casino Player Rights and Obligations Explained appeared first on Alert-Rights.

The main obligation of an employee is to perform his/her work in good faith and thoroughly and to follow the orders of his/her superior, if they do not contradict the provisions of the employment contract or the Labor Code.

 In addition, the employee is obliged to:

1.       to observe the working hours established in the workplace,
2.       to comply with the work schedule,
3.       comply with the rules and principles of occupational safety and health (including performing work in accordance with the rules and principles of safety, taking care of the appropriate condition of machinery, equipment, tools and instruments, as well as the order in the workplace, immediately notifying the manager of an accident, accident, threat to human life or health)
4.       to take care of the welfare of the workplace, protection of its property, to keep confidential information, disclosure of which may expose the employer to losses,
5.       to observe the secrecy defined in separate rules
6.       adhere to the principles of social coexistence in the institution.

If an employee fails to comply with the established procedure, internal labor regulations, health and safety rules, and fire safety rules, the employer may issue a warning or reprimand to the employee.

If an employee fails to comply with safety and fire safety rules, leaves the workplace without justification, shows up to work drunk, or drinks alcoholic beverages during working hours, the employer may impose a monetary fine on the employee.

In addition, an employee who, as a result of non-performance or improper performance of his or her duties, through his or her own fault, causes damage to the employer, shall be liable for financial compensation (compensation in the amount of damage, but not more than 3 months of the employee’s salary). If the employee intentionally caused the damage, he or she shall fully cover the cost of repairs.

The employee is liable for the full amount of possible damage if the employer has entrusted him with the obligation to return or pay for money, securities, valuables, tools, devices or similar products, as well as personal protective equipment, work clothes and shoes.

An employee who has signed a non-competition agreement may not perform any activity for a competing employer; may not be employed under an employment contract or other agreement with another employer operating in the same industry. An employer who has suffered losses as a result of an employee’s violation of a non-competition agreement may claim compensation from the employee for damages.

Basic employee rights

•       To work in accordance with the terms of the employment contract, which may not be less favorable than the provisions of labor law.
•       An employee has the right to fair remuneration for work. Salary for work must be paid at least once a month, at a regular and pre-established time.
•       Working conditions must comply with occupational health and safety rules.
•       Employees have the right to annual paid vacation (20 days if the employee has been employed for less than 10 years, 26 days if the employee has been employed for at least 10 years).
•       Employees must have equal rights arising from the performance of the same duties; in particular, equality of men and women in employment.
•       As a rule, an employer cannot terminate or suspend an employment contract during pregnancy and during the employee’s maternity leave.
•       Employees, including foreigners, have the right to join a trade union.

Main obligations of employers

The employer is obliged to:

•       familiarize new employees with their duties, opportunities to work in the workplace, and employee privileges,
•       ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions, conducting systematic training on labor safety,
•       timely and correct payment of wages,
•       providing access to the documents on the basis of which the employee’s salary is calculated,
•       pay salary for the period of disability not exceeding 35 days per year,
•       help employees improve their professional qualifications,
•       provide assistance in the social needs of employees, to the extent possible,
•       create conditions for employees to exercise their powers to create an employee organization,
•       keep documentation and records on issues related to labor relations and personal files of employees,
•       immediately issue an employment certificate to the employee in connection with the employee’s dismissal or expiration of the employment term (the certificate cannot be subject to a preliminary settlement between the employee and the employer)
•       inform the employee of his/her right to apply to the labor court – what is a labor court?
•       respect the dignity and other personal assets of employees,
•       use objective and fair criteria for evaluating employees and their work

In addition, the employer may not terminate the employment agreement during the employee’s annual vacation or any other justified absence from work, unless the period entitling the employer to terminate the employment agreement without notice has expired.

Employees have equal rights to perform the same functions and duties.

Any discrimination against employees on the grounds of age, disability, race, nationality, beliefs, especially political, religious, and trade union membership is unacceptable.

The post OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE EMPLOYEE AND THE EMPLOYER ARISING FROM THE SIGNING OF THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT appeared first on Alert-Rights.

In short, thanks to the regulation, a casino with an online gambling license from another country can also offer you a safe all-round package with all the benefits of a valid online casino license. This includes the all-important security, data and player protection, as well as state-regulated and certified fair play. You can get acquainted with the lineup of casinos at BestCasinosInCanada.net resource.

What are gambling commissions and how do they work?

Gambling commissions are public bodies that regulate gambling and monitor gambling laws. Their remit includes betting, bingo, casino, slot machines and lotteries, but not spread betting. On the one hand, the aim is to keep crime out of gambling such as money laundering. On the other hand, vulnerable individuals are to be protected by certain measures.

The commissions issue licenses to gambling providers who comply with the given regulations. However, they can also impose fines and revoke licenses in the event of non-compliance with the applicable laws.

Furthermore, they are charged with investigating and prosecuting illegal gambling and advising the government on gambling issues. They also cooperate with the police in cases of suspected illegal gambling.

1. Gambling Licenses in Malta

The island of Malta continues to experience an upswing in online gambling. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) issues the most online gambling licenses in Europe. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and was the first country to introduce online gambling laws. Its first gambling licenses to relevant software publishers were issued the year the MGA was established.

The license has comprehensive player protection and enjoys a good reputation widely.

2. Gambling licenses in Curaçao

The island has been issuing online gambling licenses since 1996, making it one of the first in the world. For example, the license examination procedure is said to be much simpler compared to the British one. It is easier to obtain, which comes with a reputation of lack of validation of the provider’s technical systems.

The Curaçao Licensing Authority does not usually intervene in disputes between players and operators. So, the Curacao license from the player’s point of view is more risky.

How to get a gambling license?

In order to obtain a license, there are certain requirements that must be met. Those who wish to acquire an online casino license first submit an application to the relevant gambling commission. If all the requirements are met and the examination is successfully passed, then nothing stands in the way of the license.

What are the criteria for casino licensing?

There are some industry-specific licensing requirements and compliance rules that must be met before gambling licenses are issued.

1. Compliance with the law

These regulations vary depending on the licensor. These include general requirements, costs, tax policies, and processing time for applications.

2. No criminality

A background check of the operator is conducted. Individuals suspected of being involved in illegal activities will be turned away, even without an application review.

3. Liquidity

Obtaining the license as well as operating the online casino cost. It must be proven that the necessary funds are available.

4. Software

The casino software must meet the legal requirements. A detailed description of the software functions and games, agreements with software providers and a certificate of the RNG (Random Number Generator) must be available.

Can a casino be operated without a license?

In principle, every legally operating gambling operator needs a corresponding license. However, the reality often looks different. There are some casinos which offer their services without a license. Caution is advised here, because in case of fraud it is almost impossible to take legal action. If in doubt, it is worth taking a closer look at the license and reading testimonials.

What are blacklisted casinos?

As already described, not all online casinos adhere to the applicable regulations. There are some that have a bad reputation due to lack of licensing, lack of payouts and unfair play. Because of this misconduct, they are listed on the so-called “blacklist” so that no more players fall victim to them. These casinos do not have valid gambling licenses.

Conclusion

Gambling licenses are essential for player safety. That is why it is best to play only on websites that have a reputable EU license. Because such an online casino license is also valid for Austria. This way, you can avoid nasty surprises and enjoy the gaming experience worry-free.

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Girls and boys see gender inequality in their homes and communities every day – in textbooks, in the media and among the adults who care for them.

Parents may assume unequal responsibility for household work, with mothers bearing the brunt of caregiving and chores. The majority of low-skilled and underpaid community health workers who attend to children are also women, with limited opportunity for professional growth.

And in schools, many girls receive less support than boys to pursue the studies they choose. This happens for a variety of reasons: The safety, hygiene and sanitation needs of girls may be neglected, barring them from regularly attending class. Discriminatory teaching practices and education materials also produce gender gaps in learning and skills development. As a result, nearly 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are neither employed nor in education or training – compared to 1 in 10 boys.

Worldwide, nearly 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are neither employed nor in education or training – compared to 1 in 10 boys.

Yet, in early childhood, gender disparities start out small. Girls have higher survival rates at birth, are more likely to be developmentally on track, and are just as likely to participate in preschool. Among those who reach secondary school, girls tend to outperform boys in reading across every country where data are available.

But the onset of adolescence can bring significant barriers to girls’ well-being. Gender norms and discrimination heighten their risk of unwanted pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, and malnutrition. Especially in emergency settings and in places where menstruation remains taboo, girls are cut off from the information and supplies they need to stay healthy and safe.

Some 1 in 20 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 – around 13 million globally – have experienced forced sex in their lifetimes.

Harmful gender norms are perpetuated at the highest levels. In some countries, they become entrenched in laws and policies that fail to uphold – or that even violate – girls’ rights, like laws that restrict women from inheriting property. Boys also suffer from gender norms: Social conceptions of masculinity can fuel child labour, gang violence, disengagement from school, and recruitment into armed groups.

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Human rights are standards that recognize and protect the dignity of all human beings. Human rights govern how individual human beings live in society and with each other, as well as their relationship with the State and the obligations that the State have towards them.

Human rights law obliges governments to do some things, and prevents them from doing others. Individuals also have responsibilities: in using their human rights, they must respect the rights of others. No government, group or individual person has the right to do anything that violates another’s rights. 

Universality and inalienability

Human rights are universal and inalienable. All people everywhere in the world are entitled to them. No one can voluntarily give them up. Nor can others take them away from him or her. 

Indivisibility

Human rights are indivisible. Whether civil, political, economic, social or cultural in nature, they are all inherent to the dignity of every human person. Consequently, they all have equal status as rights. There is no such thing as a ‘small’ right. There is no hierarchy of human rights. 

Inter-dependence and inter-relatedness

The realization of one right often depends, wholly or in part, upon the realization of others. For instance, the realization of the right to health may depend on the realization of the right to education or of the right to information. 

Equality and non-discrimination

All individuals are equal as human beings and by virtue of the inherent dignity of each human person. All human beings are entitled to their human rights without discrimination of any kind, such as race, color, sex, ethnicity, age, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, disability, property, birth or other status as explained by the human rights treaty bodies.

Participation and inclusion

Every person and all peoples are entitled to active, free and meaningful participation in, contribution to, and enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural development, through which human rights and fundamental freedoms can be realized. 

Accountability and rule of law

States and other duty-bearers must comply with the legal norms and standards enshrined in human rights instruments. Where they fail to do so, aggrieved rights-holders are entitled to institute proceedings for appropriate redress before a competent court or other adjudicator, in accordance with the rules and procedures provided by law. 

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Freedom House supports frontline activists in their efforts to defend fundamental rights, including to document abuses, advocate for justice, end impunity, and fortify the self-protection of human rights defenders. We also provide emergency assistance to human rights defenders who come under threat and work with activists to broaden public support for upholding human rights and the fight for equality. 

The general principle of equality and non-discrimination is a fundamental element of international human rights law.

A useful definition of non-discrimination is contained in Article 1(1) ILO 111, which provides that discrimination includes: ‘Any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in the employment or occupation [?].’ Thus, the right to equal treatment requires that all persons be treated equally before the law, without discrimination. The principle of equality and non-discrimination guarantees that those in equal circumstances are dealt with equally in law and practice. However, it is important to stress that not every distinction or difference in treatment will amount to discrimination. In general international law, a violation of the principle of non-discrimination arises if: a) equal cases are treated in a different manner; b) a difference in treatment does not have an objective and reasonable justification; or c) if there is no proportionality between the aim sought and the means employed. These requirements have been expressly set out by international human rights supervisory bodies, including the European Court (see, e.g.,Marckx v. Belgium), the Inter-American Court (see, e.g,. Advisory Opinion No. 4, para. 57) and the Human Rights Committee (see, e.g., General Comment 18, para. 13 andJacobs v. Belgium).

The principle of equality can in certain circumstances require a state to take affirmative action in order to diminish or eliminate conditions that cause or help to perpetuate discrimination. The Human Rights Committee has clearly stated this obligation in General Comment 18, and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights frequently refers to the duty to take affirmative action in its Concluding Observations. For further analysis of this principle, see I§3.B.

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