United Nations Day 2025

• New lesson editor
• PSHE
• LessonUp
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

This lesson is for the celebration of United Nations day. In this session your students will learn about what the UN is, why it was formed and what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is. This is quite a formal, higher level lesson, so be prepared to take breaks to explain what some words mean, and answer some questions around the topics that surround the UN.

Instructions

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What do you already know about the United Nations?

The United Nations

The United Nations is an international organisation, established in 1945 by 193 member states, with the primary purpose of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, promoting social progress and human rights, and harmonising collective actions for global goals like sustainable development and humanitarian aid.

Human Rights

Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. These rights are universal, meaning they apply to everyone; inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away; indivisible, meaning no right is more important than the other; and interdependent, meaning they are connected and depend on each other.

Magna Carta (1215)

Limited the power of the monarchy and established legal rights for free men, laying the groundwork for constitutional governance.

2.

The concept of human rights has deep historical roots, but its modern formulation was shaped by the aftermath of World War II and the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in 1945.

FRENCH REVOLUTION (1789)

DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN & CITIZEN (1789) - This French Revolution document emphasised freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the sovereignty of the people.

3.

CYRUS CYLINDER (539 BCE)

Considered the first human rights charter, issued by Cyrus the Great, promoting religious freedom and the rights of conquered peoples.

1.

UDHR (1948)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) - Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, this document serves as the foundation for modern human rights law and outlines a broad range of civil, political, economic, and social rights.

4.

idea: Use the symbols and descriptions to start a discussion on what each one might mean and whether your students agree that it's important

idea: Use the symbols and descriptions to start a discussion on what each one might mean and whether your students agree that it's important

What rights do we have?

Individual Freedoms and Rights

These rights protect personal security and legal protection from abuse, ensuring everyone is treated fairly under the law.

Civil and Political Rights

These guarantee personal liberties and participation in governance, ensuring that people can engage in society freely and have a say in how they are governed.

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

These focus on basic human needs and well-being, ensuring the promotion of fair working conditions, leisure time, and protection from poverty.

KEY PRINCIPLES

UNIVERSALITY

EQUALITY

UPHELD IN LAW

Are there any principles missing?

Violations of Human Rights?

Think about a situation in your community or country that you believe is a violation of human rights...

What is happening, who is affected, and why do you think it is a human rights issue?

2

minute

00

second

+30 s

What issue did you think was a breach on the human rights convention? Why?

Role of Government vs Role of Citizens

GOVERNMENT

CITIZENS

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