Global interdependence

We live in a global society. In other words, we live in a world where countries and people are interdependent (dependent upon each other). With modern communications technology, we can speak to someone on the other side of the world at the touch of a button. We learn languages so that we can communicate with people from other countries and understand their cultures. The world we live in is one of tremendous change and opportunity. However, it is also a place of violence and increasing inequalities. Although more people enjoy a higher standard of living than ever before, there are many people who face life without enough to eat, without freedom from violence and without a home.

In order to make the world a better place, people have created rules and laws. However, at a local, national and international level, people disagree with one another about what is right and what is wrong. This makes finding a universal set of rules for the way in which people should behave an extremely difficult task. Britain is a diverse society, with many people from different races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. The world is an even more diverse place. However, there are always similarities between people because we are all human beings; it is sometimes just a matter of finding those similarities and learning to understand the differences between us.

How do we ensure that people are treated equally?

Legally protecting human rights is the key way to ensure that people are treated equally in the UK. Human rights are the rights we all have because we are human beings. To hold human rights means that we can expect others to act in a certain way so that our human rights are respected. If the protection of human rights is a legal matter, then it strengthens our moral responsibility to treat each other with respect. There are civil and political rights which include the right to life, liberty and the right to a fair trial. There are economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to work, the right to leisure and the right to a sufficient standard of education and living. Finally, there are group rights including the right to development, the right to peace and the right to a healthy environment.