Welcome to the World of Rights and Duties!

Hey everyone! Ever thought about what you're allowed to do and what you're expected to do as a member of your family, your school, and even Hong Kong? That's exactly what we're going to explore in this chapter. We'll learn about rights (like your freedom to have your own ideas) and duties (like your responsibility to follow rules).

Understanding this is super important because it helps you know your place in society, how to protect yourself, and how to be a great, responsible citizen. Let's get started!


The Big Rulebook: Our Country's Constitution

Imagine your family has a set of main rules that everyone must follow. Our country has one too, and it's called the Constitution. It's the highest and most important law for the whole country, including Hong Kong.

Your Rights as a Citizen

The Constitution gives every citizen some amazing rights. Think of these as special privileges you are entitled to. Here are some of the most important ones:

- You are equal before the law. (It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, the law treats you the same.)
- You have freedom of speech. (You can share your opinions and ideas peacefully.)
- You have freedom of religious belief.
- Your personal freedom and dignity are protected. (No one can lock you up without a good reason.)
- You have the right to get an education.
- You have the right to rest from work.

Your Duties as a Citizen

Just like you have chores at home, being a citizen comes with responsibilities. These are called duties or obligations. They are things everyone must do to make sure our society runs smoothly and stays safe.

- You must abide by the Constitution and the law. (This is the most important one!)
- You have the duty to protect our country's unity and security.
- You must respect public property. (For example, not drawing graffiti on park benches.)
- You have the duty to pay taxes according to the law.

How Does This Connect to Hong Kong?

You might be wondering, "How does the country's main rulebook apply to us in Hong Kong?" It's all thanks to the principle of "one country, two systems".

Analogy time! Think of our country as one big family living in a large house. Hong Kong is a special room in that house. The family has main house rules (the Constitution), but the person in the special room (Hong Kong) is allowed to have some of its own rules (the Basic Law), as long as they don't break the main house rules. The Constitution (specifically Article 31) is what gives Hong Kong the power to have its own special system.

Key Takeaway

The Constitution is the supreme law of our country. It grants all citizens, including us, fundamental rights and duties. It is the foundation upon which Hong Kong's own legal system is built.


Hong Kong's Special Rulebook: The Basic Law

If the Constitution is the main rulebook for the whole country, then the Basic Law is the mini-constitution just for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It sets out how Hong Kong is run and protects our rights and freedoms here.

The Rule of Law: Our Super Shield

What stops people from just doing whatever they want? In Hong Kong, we have something called the rule of law. It's like a super shield that protects everyone and ensures fairness.

Think of it like a football game. The "rule of law" means everyone has to play by the rules – the players, the coaches, and even the referee (the government). No one is above the rules! This is what the rule of law guarantees:

1. Equality before the law: Everyone is treated the same by the law.
2. No one is above the law: Every single person, including government officials, must obey the law.
3. Government power comes from law: The government can only do what the law gives it the power to do.
4. Judicial independence: Courts and judges make decisions based only on the law and facts, without any pressure from others.

Rights Come with Responsibilities!

This is a super important idea to remember. Your rights are not unlimited. They end where someone else's rights begin.

For example, you have the right to freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean you can shout "Fire!" in a crowded cinema just for fun. Why? Because that would endanger others and cause panic.

The law can put some limits on our rights and freedoms, but only for very important reasons, such as:

  • To respect the rights or reputations of others.
  • To protect national security (keeping our country and society safe from serious harm).
  • To protect public order (keeping our society peaceful and orderly).
  • To protect public health (like the rules we had to follow during the pandemic to keep everyone healthy).
Did You Know?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rules about wearing masks and social distancing were a real-life example of how individual freedoms (like the freedom to not wear a mask) can be limited for the sake of public health. This is the "rights and responsibilities" balance in action!

Key Takeaway

The Basic Law protects our rights in Hong Kong, and the rule of law ensures this is done fairly for everyone. Remember, enjoying our rights comes with the responsibility to respect others and the needs of society.


Thinking Globally: International Agreements

Hong Kong is a global city, and we are part of the world community. Countries around the world often make agreements, called international conventions or agreements, to work together on important issues, like protecting children or the environment.

How Do They Apply to Hong Kong?

According to Article 153 of the Basic Law, the Central People's Government decides which international agreements apply to Hong Kong. This means we are part of many important global promises.

Focus On: The Rights of the Child

One of the most famous agreements is the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It says that all children and teenagers (under 18) have special rights. These include:

- The right to life, food, clean water, and a safe home.
- The right to an education and the right to play.
- The right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and harm.
- The right to express your opinion on things that affect you.

But remember our rule! Even these rights can have limits. For example, your freedom of expression is limited if it harms others or threatens public safety.

Focus On: Fighting Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice is when you judge someone before you know them, and discrimination is when you treat them unfairly because of that judgment (e.g., because of their race, religion, or because they have a disability).

International agreements that apply in Hong Kong say that:

- All people are equal before the law and should be protected from discrimination.
- We should all work to create an inclusive society where everyone feels welcome.
- We have a duty to respect and accept different people and live together in social harmony.

Quick Review: Putting It All Together

Let's recap what we've learned about rules, rights, and duties at different levels:

1. Country Level: The Constitution is the highest law, giving rights and duties to all citizens.

2. HKSAR Level: The Basic Law is our local "mini-constitution" that protects our way of life, guided by the fair principles of the rule of law.

3. Global Level: We follow International Agreements to be responsible members of the world community.

And the Golden Rule: Rights and duties go hand-in-hand. Your freedom is important, but so is the well-being of the whole community!