NAME :MUNYANDUKI KUDZAI

REGISTRATION NUMBER : R204761J

MODULE :STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE SKILLS

COURSECODE :SDLS401

PROGRAM :HMMP
QUESTION HUMAN RIGHTS ARE BEST EXERCISED WITH A SENSE OF ACCOUNTABILITY.GIVE
EXAMPLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS THAT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FLOUT. SUGGEST WAYS OF
LEADING TERTIARY LIFE.

Human rights are indivisible. Whether civil, political, economic, social or culture in nature , they are all inherent to
the dignity of every human person (UNICEF 2023). Human rights form the foundation of a just and equitable
society, ensuring the dignity, freedom that all people are entitled to, regardless of where they live or what their
circumstances are and well-being of individuals. Moreover, human rights are rights inherent to all human beings
regardless of sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status (United Nations 2023).Thus when an
individual flouts human rights it means that he or she has violated or disregarded the basic rights and freedoms.
However, the exercise of human rights should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility to prevent the misuse or
infringement upon the rights of others. Thus, the essay seeks to evaluate cases where students flout human rights
and requests ways to promote responsible tertiary life whilst uplifting the human rights.

First and foremost, freedom of expression includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all
kinds by any means (Marry Ane, 2023). Moreover, freedom of expression is very important for intellectual
discourse and personal growth, it can be abused when it violates the rights of others. University students may
engage in hate speech, cyber bullying, or harassment, which undermines the rights and well-being of individuals,
particularly marginalized groups.

To add on, the right to privacy which includes the right not to have your room and personal property entered is a
student right which is considered on campus (Littman, David G 2003). Therefore, students may break the right to
privacy by sharing or circulating private information or images without the individual’s consent. This behavior can
lead to emotional distress, suicidal incidents, and depression towards the victim. Thus, the right to privacy
encompasses the right to protect a person’s intimacy, identity, name, gender, honor, dignity appearance, feelings
and sexual orientation (Icelandic Human Rights Center, 2023).

Freedom of assembly is another human right one should practice as a student. The right to peacefully assemble
comprises the right to freely choose the location and the timing of the assemble, including public streets, roads and
squares (Human Rights House, 2023). Students may disregard the rights of others when engaging in protests or
demonstrations that disrupt educational activities or restrict the freedom of movement of fellow students, faculty, or
staff members (Studocu,2023)

Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other factors can occur within university settings. Equality and
non-discrimination is another right which students must uplift at the University of Zimbabwe. Students may engage
in discriminatory behaviors or perpetuate stereotypes, leading to a hostile environment that undermines inclusivity
and equality (Thompson ,Neil 2016).
There are ways of leading a tertiary life, the first being the education awareness. Therefore, there is need to promote
human rights education and awareness campaigns within universities. Students must understand the importance of
accountability in exercising their rights and the potential consequences of their actions on others.

Another way to lead a tertiary life is to advocate the codes of conduct and support services. This is to establish and
implement clear codes of conduct that outline expected behaviors and consequences for violating human rights.
These codes should evaluate the importance of respect, inclusivity, and non-discrimination. Code of conduct should
ensure the availability of counseling services, grievance mechanisms, and support systems that can assist students
who have experienced human rights violations or need guidance on responsible behavior.

There is need to foster a culture of peer education and support where students learn from and support each other in
upholding human rights. Encourage students to speak up against human rights violations and provide resources for
reporting incidents.

Another way to lead a tertiary life is to facilitate constructive dialogues and mediation processes to address conflicts
and promote understanding among students (Newman, D.M. 2012). Moreover, there is need to encourage open
discussions on sensitive topics while fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.

Moreover, there is need to encourage students to actively engage in community service and social responsibility
initiatives. When students participate in activities that promote human rights, students can develop empathy,
respect, and a sense of accountability towards others. Universities should lead by example and promote responsible
behavior among faculty, staff, and administration. They should provide training and resources to ensure that all
university members uphold human rights and act as positive role models for students

Universities should actively promote inclusivity and diversity to ensure equal treatment and respect for all
individuals (Shelton, Dinah, 2011). This can be done through diversity training programs, inclusive hiring practices,
and creating safe spaces for marginalized groups. By fostering an environment that values and celebrates diversity,
universities can reduce instances of discrimination and promote accountability for upholding human rights.

Universities should have robust policies in place to address human rights violations and ensure accountability.
These policies should clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of students, establish reporting mechanisms, and
specify the consequences for violating human rights ( Paul, Miller 2001). It is essential to ensure that these policies
are effectively communicated to all members of the university community and that enforcement mechanisms are in
place to address complaints and hold accountable those who engage in human rights abuses.

Empowering student leaders and involving them in decision-making processes can promote a culture of
accountability. Student-led initiatives, such as human rights clubs or student councils, can play a vital role in raising
awareness, organizing workshops, and advocating for the protection of human rights on campus. By actively
engaging students in the promotion of human rights, universities can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility
for upholding these rights.

Last but not least, Universities should emphasize the importance of ethical research practices and academic
integrity. Students should be made aware of the ethical considerations involved in their research, (UNESCO, 2017).

In summation to what the essay has provided, human rights are best exercised when accompanied by a sense of
accountability. University students, while enjoying their rights, must recognize the importance of responsible
behavior and respect for the rights of others. By addressing flouted human rights such as freedom of expression,
right to privacy, freedom of assembly, and equality, universities can foster a culture of accountability and
responsible tertiary life. Through education, codes of conduct, peer support, dialogue, and community engagement,
universities can empower students to exercise their rights responsibly, contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and
rights-based campus environment.
REFERENCES

Glendon, Mary Ann (2004). "The Rule of Law in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights"

Human Rights House, (2023) The freedom of Assembly

Icelandic Human Rights Center, (2023). The right to privacy.

Littman, David G. (19 January 2003). "Human Rights and Human Wrongs". National Review.

Newman, D.M. (2012). Sociology: exploring the architecture of everyday life (9th ed.). Los Angeles: Sage. p. 405

Paul, Miller (2001): Arnhart, Larry. Thomistic Natural Law as Darwinian Natural Right

Shelton, Dinah. (2011) "Self-Determination in Regional Human Rights Law: From Kosovo to Cameroon".
American Journal of International Law 105.1: 60–8

Studocu. (2023). [Solved] Explain the human rights that university students flout - Human Rights (BLL 313)

Thompson, Neil (2016). Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Equality, Diversity and Social Justice

UNESCO (2017) "Good Practices for Promoting Academic Integrity."

UNICEF (2023). What are human rights.

United Nations (2023). Human Rights. [Online] United Nations.