Since the dawn of history, human societies have sought to regulate relationships among individuals and groups to ensure stability and justice. One of the most important pillars upon which these relationships are structured is the principle of rights and duties. Every relationship—whether social, political, economic, or emotional—can only function and persist when both parties are granted rights and are expected to fulfill duties.<br /><br />1. The Scientific Concept of Rights and Duties<br />Right: That which an individual is acknowledged to possess in terms of authority or privilege under the law or customs. This includes natural rights (such as the right to life) and acquired rights (such as the right to education).<br /><br />Duty: What is required of an individual toward others or the community, such as obeying laws or helping the needy.<br />The relationship between rights and duties is not separate, but rather complementary. Every right entails a corresponding duty, and every duty performed safeguards a right.<br /><br />2. Manifestations of Rights and Duties in Different Relationships<br />Family relationships: Parents have the right to obedience and respect, while children have the right to care, love, and education. Conversely, parents have the duty to provide and educate, while children must honor and respect their parents.<br /><br />Educational relationships: Students have the right to learn in a safe environment and to express themselves. In return, they must be disciplined, respect teachers, and commit to their studies.<br /><br />Political relationships: Citizens have the right to vote, express opinions, and request services. In return, they must respect laws and participate in community development.<br /><br />International relations: These are based on respecting sovereignty, human rights, and international agreements. They carry duties such as honoring treaties and cooperating for global peace.<br /><br />Emotional and human relationships: Each party has the right to emotional safety and respect. Correspondingly, there is a duty to understand the other, remain loyal, and avoid harm.<br /><br />3. Imbalance Between Rights and Duties and Its Effects<br />When the balance is disturbed—when a person demands rights without fulfilling duties, or is overburdened with duties while their rights are ignored—crises arise: conflicts, violence, injustice, and social disintegration. Therefore, educating people from an early age about this balance is a cornerstone of building conscious citizens and cohesive societies.<br /><br />4. Rights and Duties in Philosophical and Legal Thought<br />John Locke asserted that natural rights are inalienable, but duties must be carried out to ensure these rights endure in society.<br /><br />Immanuel Kant emphasized that moral duty is not conditional on reciprocity, yet it preserves the rights of others within the collective system.<br /><br />In legal systems, rights and duties are detailed in constitutions and laws to ensure justice and prevent exploitation.<br /><br />The entire world, with its various systems, can only function through a deep understanding of the rights and duties equation. These are not just legal rules, but moral and human foundations for life. The more a person understands that their freedom is tied to responsibility, and that their demands are linked to their obligations, the more they can coexist and truly deserve to live in peace.<br /><br />Almustaqbal University, The First University in Iraq.<br /><br />