3.1 Lesson UN - THOP

1. CHANGING RIGHTS AND
FREEDOMS
Topic Two

3. The Big Idea
WE VALUE ALL
PEOPLE
EVERYWHERE

4. ORIGINS & AUSTRALIA’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE
UDHR
Learning Goal
◻ Describe the origins and significance of the Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR)
◻ Identify who Dr H. Evatt was and his role in the UDHR
Success Criteria
1. I can provide detailed characteristics and features of how the
UDHR is important to upholding human rights around the world
2. I can provided 3-5 key features of the role Dr Evatt played in
creating the UDHR

5. STARTER
◻ Create a Google Doc entitled “Australia’s Involvement with the
United Nations”
◻ Task One:
◻ WATCH THIS VIDEO AND WRITE DOWN YOUR DEFINITION OF
HUMAN RIGHTS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1w6AbxgPEo

6. OVERVIEW
Task Two:
In your Google Doc, copy these notes 
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (the Universal Declaration) was
adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1948.
What role did Australia play?
◻ Australia was a founding member of the UN and played a prominent role in
the negotiation of the UN Charter in 1945. Australia was also one of eight
nations involved in drafting the Universal Declaration.
◻ This was largely due to the influential leadership of Dr Herbert Vere Evatt, the
head of Australia’s delegation to the UN. In 1948, Dr HV Evatt became
President of the UN General Assembly. That same year he oversaw the
adoption of the Universal Declaration.

7. OVERVIEW
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (the
Universal Declaration) was adopted by the United
Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1948.
Who was Dr HV Evatt?
◻ Dr HV Evatt was a prominent figure in Australia
politics during the middle of the 20th century. Prior to
coming to the UN, he had been a judge of the High
Court, Attorney-General and Minister for External
Affairs. Dr HV Evatt was renowned for being a
champion of civil liberties and the rights of
economically and socially disadvantaged people.

8. Examples of Articles
Article 3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of
person.
Article 4 No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and
the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5 No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman
or degrading treatment or punishment.

9. Activity: Interview with an Australian icon
Task Three: You are to write an interview script with Dr Herbert Evatt and
record it on your ipad. The interview is taking place just after the signing of
the UDHR.
◻ Have at least two characters: Dr Evatt and Interviewer (consider having
another person from the UN speak)
Include the following criteria:
◻ Why Australia is a part of the United Nations
◻ Background information on Dr Evatt’s life
◻ Dr Evatt’s role in the United Nations (Especially in 1948)
◻ What are Human Rights
◻ What is the Declaration of Human Rights – what is it trying to achieve
(purpose) and how does it do this?
◻ Why having the UDHR is important for human rights

10. Activity: Interview with an Australian icon
Watch the following videos to start your research:
◻ Doc Evatt in 2.5 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljxZn3ZRkpU
◻ Article:
http://sydney.edu.au/news/84.html?newsstoryid=2912
◻ Article
https://www.unaa.org.au/learn/australia-and-the-un/
◻ Website
http://humanrights.org.au/human-rights.htm

11. Activity: Interview with an Australian icon
THE TIMING BREAKDOWN:
• INTERVIEW SHOULD BE 90 – 120 seconds long (max
2mins)
• It can be just audio or have video as well
• 20 MINS to research and prepare the script
• 15 MINS to film the interview

12. Write a Newspaper Headline
Task Four:
Newspaper Headline
Write down a catchy headline that would be used for a
news article written about ‘Doc Evatt’ and the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights

13. Recap & exit tickets
Success Criteria
1. Provide 3 detailed characteristics and features of how the UDHR is
important to upholding human rights around the world
2. I can provided 3-5 key features of the role Dr Evatt played in
creating the UDHR
Exit Ticket
Explain…
3 ways in which Dr Evatt helped to create the UDHR.