Declaration on human rights education inches towards finalisation (Jan 2011)

Declaration on human rights education inches towards finalisation (Jan 2011)

A United Nations declaration affirming everyone’s right to 'education about, through and for human rights' is one step closer.

The latest draft of the UN Declaration on human rights education and training declares that:

• 'Everyone has the right to know, seek and receive information about all human rights and fundamental freedoms and should have access to human rights education and training' because this 'is essential for the promotion of universal respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all';

• 'human rights education and training encompasses education

(a) about human rights, which includes providing knowledge and understanding of human rights norms and principles, the values that underpin them and the mechanisms for their protection;
(b) through human rights, which includes learning and teaching in a way that respects the rights of both educators and learners;
(c) for human rights, which includes empowering persons to enjoy and exercise their rights and to respect and uphold the rights of others;

• States, and relevant governmental authorities, 'have the primary responsibility to promote and ensure human rights education and training, developed and implemented in a spirit of participation, inclusion and responsibility'.
  

The draft declaration is to be considered by the UN Human Rights Council in March.