Verbal harassment is a serious problem that violates a number of basic human rights. It destroys the victim’s self-esteem and can be fatal. Labeling people at an early age can affect their individual development.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. (Art. 1), it affirms that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. (Art. 3), it emphasizes that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. (Art. 5), no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. (Art. 12).
Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria states “No one shall be subjected to torture, to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as to non-violent assimilation”.
Authors: Deyan Valentinov, Ivelina Tikhomirova (XIb grade) and Silvia Alexandrova (IXa grade) from the High School of Science and Mathematics “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Montana
Reflection Questions:
- What is the definition of harassment?
- What does the law(s) in Bulgaria say about harassment?
- Explain the relationship between bullying and human rights.