Human Rights, Responsibilities and Child Rights
What the domain tests
This domain tests knowledge of human rights, the responsibilities that go with them, and the special protections for children in Malawi.
Core ideas
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) sets out rights such as life, liberty, education, health and freedom of expression.
- Malawi's Constitution, Chapter IV, contains a Bill of Rights. It protects equality, dignity, personal freedom, privacy, fair trial and freedom of religion.
- The Child Care, Protection and Justice Act (2010) and the Constitution protect children. Key child rights include survival, development, protection from abuse, a name and nationality, education, and participation in decisions that affect them.
- Rights are not unlimited. They can be limited by law to protect other people's rights, public safety or morality. For example, free expression does not allow hate speech or incitement to violence.
- Every right has a responsibility: the right to education means attending school; the right to a clean environment means not littering; the right to be heard means listening to others.
Worked example
A 12-year-old is kept home to sell vegetables during school hours. A strong answer identifies the child's right to education and protection from child labour. It also notes the family's need for income and suggests referrals to social welfare, a school bursary or a community child protection committee. Reasoning: the answer names the right, explains the duty of adults, and offers a realistic remedy instead of simply blaming the parents.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say children have no rights until they are 18. Do not say rights are absolute. Do not confuse a right with a privilege, such as owning a phone. Do not ignore the child's right to be heard.