Democracy and Human Rights -Part 1-.pptx

Powerpoint on Human rights

1. Gr - 11 LIFE ORIENTATION Topic: Democracy and Human Rights Democracy – is a government by the people in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a fee electoral system. In essence – Democracy is the institutionalization of freedom and power is held by everyone. Opposite: Autocracy/Tyranny – All governing power is held by 1 person

2. Before 1994, South Africa was ruled by a minority. Before that, South Africa was governed by Britain. FIRST DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS were held in 1994. On the 27 April 1994, all South African citizens (18 and older) could vote and elect people into power to govern. Now the majority elected people into power to represent them and vested their power in them to govern and make decisions. It was the first time in South Africa’s entire history that this form of election was open to everyone. Shortly after the elections the SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTITUTION was ratified. It forms the foundation of South Africa’s democracy. It still stands today, unchanged. The CONSTITUTION outlines how South Africa’s democracy must operate : it confirms the rights of groups and individuals (including the right to vote), how government is structured, how parliament and various levels of government must operate and even describes the role of the president and his/he cabinet. SOUTH AFRICA’S brief history to a Democracy

3. Key Characteristics of a Democracy: Elections are free and fair. Must be 18yrs and older A majority rules – a party that has the highest percentage wins Laws can only change if there is a 2/3 majority for vote in parliament Citizens have basic human rights outlined in the constitution. 6 Key Features: Respect for Human Rights Democratic voting system Respect for the rule of law Democratic governance Citizen participation Multi-party system paired with political tolerance: Gives a wide voter choice Ensures diverse views are heard Debate actions of the ruling party Hold ruling party accountable for state actions

4. Throughout history, there have countries that have been ruled by dictator and fascists ( forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and of the economy) [ . A  dictatorship  is a government or a social situation where one person makes all the rules and decisions without input from anyone else.  Dictatorship  implies absolute power — one person who takes control — of a political situation, a family, a classroom or even a camping expedition. Characterizes of a Dictator: Rule tyranny ( cruel and oppressive) Charismatic Narcissistic Mood disorders Paranoia

5. Infamous Dictators Try to identify the different dictators depicted in the following video:

6. Idi Amin Ugandan Dictator Amin’s rule was characterised by rampant human right’s abuses, political oppression, ethnic persecution, extrajudicial killings, nepotism, corruption and gross economic mismanagement. Human Right’s activists estimate that he is responsible for 500k deaths in Uganda under his regime. Suddam Hussein Iraqi Dictator Sudam’s rule was characterised by rampant human right’s abuses, political oppression, ethnic persecution, killings, nepotism, corruption and gross economic mismanagement. Human Right’s activists estimate that he is responsible for at least 250k (conservative estimate) deaths in Iraq and the geocide of the Kurds under his regime. Mao Zedong Chinese Dictator His regime has been called autocratic and totalitarian, and condemned for bringing about mass repression and destroying religious and cultural artefacts and sites. In addition, his regime is responsible for cast amounts of deaths estimated to +-70 million deaths due to starvation, prison labour and mass executions against those who defied him. PW Botha Under his regime he upheld the system of apartheid. Known for enforcing human rights violations that lead to many deaths and persecution of South Africans. Used sate funds to sperate racial groups. Used 35 percent of the state budget for the department of defence. Brought SA economy to the brink of bankruptcy. In 1989 he was pressurised to leave office because of both national and international pressure.

7. Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi held the title: (The Supreme Leader/Commander of the armed forces) which no one elected him or democratically appointed/consented him into. Gaddafi privily appointed the Government, dubbed (General People's Committee) without wide public consultation or a proper form of democratic consent and process. He had absolute control of the state’s foreign, security and military policies. Gaddafi could virtually have anyone in Libya killed, arrested, imprisoned indefinitely and against the will of the judicial system. He could cut national communications including internet on a certain date with no need for any oversight or special provisions and without fearing any legal or economic repercussions. Gadaffi was killed by a rebel group on 20 October 2011 (aged 69) Fascism – Ruling a country through military control and influence