Defining Citizenship

Citizenship refers to the legal status given to an individual to be part of a country which encompasses rights, responsibilities and obligations.
Every citizen enjoys certain, rights, freedoms and protections which vary from nation to nation, but commonly include political, civil and social rights.
Political rights refer to the ability to participate in the decision-making process, such as voting in elections or running for office.
Civil rights include accesses to justice, freedom of speech, privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the freedom to uphold or follow religious beliefs.
Social rights are concerned with health care, welfare support, equality, and education which ensure a certain standard of living.

Citizenship Responsibilities

The responsibilities of citizenship include legal obligations like obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury if called, and in some countries, serving in the military.
Beyond these legal obligations, citizens also have civic responsibilities that contribute to the common good of their community and their country, like voting, volunteering and actively participating in society.
The social contract theory states that citizens agree to obey laws and uphold responsibilities in return for the benefits and protection of citizenship.

Diversity refers to the different backgrounds and experiences that make up a society, comprising race, religion, gender, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and more.
Inclusion is about ensuring that all people feel respected, have equal access to resources and opportunities, and can fully contribute to society.
The extent and nature of diversity varies greatly between societies, influenced by social, historical, political and economic factors.
Citizens must respect diversity and assist in supporting an inclusive society, to promote peace and social cohesion.

Individuals in the uniformed protective services hold a position of public trust, and their role often involves maintaining safety and upholding the rights and freedoms of citizens.
This can include police officers, firefighters, paramilitary forces, security personnel, and emergency medical professionals among others.
These individuals must uphold and promote the ideals of good citizenship in their professional roles, and encourage diversity and inclusion within the services and in their communities.
This means ensuring that they respect the rights of all citizens, promote equal opportunities, and consistently treat everyone fairly and without discrimination.