Module 3: Discussion of Selected Human Rights

• • What is the right to life as per Article 2 ECHR?
  • The right to life implies that everyone's life should be protected by the law. This includes protection from lethal force by non-state actors, self-harm, environmental or industrial disasters, accidents in public spaces, and life-threatening situations during emergencies.
• • What are the exceptions to the right to life?
  • There is no consensus among states on when life begins (ex. embryo) or ends (no right to die), hence these areas are not universally protected. Additionally, there are situations where use of lethal force by state agents is permitted, under strict conditions of necessity.
• • What is the right to a fair trial according to Article 48 Charter?
  • The right to a fair trial includes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and respect for the rights of the defense. This covers both civil and criminal proceedings and includes the right of access to an independent and impartial judiciary authority.
• • Fundamental rights are highly visible in human rights discourse, fundamental duties not
  • It’s more important to highlight the rights (obligations) that public authorities have, than to highlight their duties → as they are already known
• • Some of these duties can become implementable through legislation, others seem to be merely “moral encouragements”. → give an example
  • Ex. Social solidarity → COVID vaccinations → Getting vaccinated not only for your own health, but also for other people’s health.