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Health Rights

This activity is part of the upcoming Health & Well-being Initiative - stay tuned for more information!

During this activity, you will learn about human rights in the context of health rights. You are going to be presented with statements representing various rights and must decide whether you agree or disagree. This activity encourages dialogue, and reflection, and highlights the significance of understanding and respecting all health rights.

Key Competencies
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness
Materials Needed
  • List of health rights
  • 2 baskets 
  • Agree and disagree flashcards
  • Ping pong balls
Activity Description

For this activity, you will need a team!

  • Introduce the Activity: Gather everyone in a circle and explain that all of you will be participating in a quick activity called "Health Rights" and you will explore different human rights related to health.  
  • Explain the Rules: You will read out statements (examples provided below) representing different rights and everyone, including you, has to decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement. Everyone will place their decision in the corresponding basket or box labelled "Agree" or "Disagree." 

  • Begin the Activity: Read out the statements, one by one.  

  • Participants Decide: As you read each statement, give everyone and yourself a few seconds to decide whether you agree or disagree with it and place your decision in the respective basket or box. 

  • Discuss the Decisions: Ask for volunteers to share their reasoning behind their decision, allowing for open dialogue and different perspectives. 

  • Wrap-up and Reflection: Conclude the activity by summarizing the importance of understanding and respecting health rights. Emphasize the significance of setting boundaries, body autonomy, and the impact of these rights on individual well-being. You can use these questions to initiate the reflection:

  1. How did participating in this activity challenge or reinforce your existing beliefs or understanding of health rights? 

  2. Were there any statements that sparked disagreement or debate among all of you? Can you share some of the different perspectives that emerged? 

  3. Did any statements make you reflect on the importance of certain rights more than others? Which rights stood out to you and why?

Get Ready for the Activity
  1. Keep in mind that the activity is related to health rights. It is also a way to initiate the conversation a tough conversation.
     
  2. You might not agree with everyone's choices or there might be disagreements between yourselves. Be mindful that we all have the right to have different opinions and we need to be respectful. You can also learn more about teaching the Principles of Dialogue here
     
  3. The list of statements is only for the facilitator, and you will read 10-12 scenarios per group. Take into consideration that the activity is about promoting all sorts of health rights.
     
  4. Here is a list of health rights statements you can include:
  • Vaccination should be mandatory for all people to protect public health. 
  • Practicing alternative medicine should be protected as a personal choice and right. 
  • The government has the right to impose restrictions on individual freedoms during public health emergencies. 
  • Everyone has the right to access affordable and quality healthcare services without discrimination. 
  • Adequate nutrition and clean water are fundamental rights for every individual. 
  • Education about personal hygiene and preventive healthcare should be accessible for everyone in schools. 
  • Mental health support and resources should be available and affordable for everyone. 
  • Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy work environment. 
  • Personal safety, including protection from violence and abuse, is a basic human right. 
  • Privacy in healthcare settings, including medical records and personal information, should be respected and protected.
  • People have the right to make informed decisions about their own health, including treatment options and medical interventions. 
  • Adequate housing and living conditions are essential for maintaining good health. 
  • Everyone has the right to equal access to health information, education and resources, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. 
  • Individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Time needed

30 minutes

Age range

  • 15 and above

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Time needed

30 minutes

Age range

  • 15 and above