On 15-16 October 2015, an expert meeting on “Assessment of progress in the area of citizenship and human rights education” was organised by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the current ways of assessment of progress in this area, and to reflect on how such assessment could be made more effective in supporting the promotion and development of citizenship and human rights education, in particular with a view to the forthcoming 2nd evaluation cycle, in accordance with the aims and principles of the Council of Europe Charter on this topic (2016-2017).
Examples of national practices in the area of citizenship and human rights education were shared by experts from Poland, Spain and Russia. The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement discussed the preparation of the forthcoming International Civic and Citizenship Education Study. Representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, OECD, the European Commission and the Council of Europe presented relevant reporting mechanisms and surveys. Amnesty International presented civil society perspective on behalf of the Global Coalition for Human Rights Education.
The participants reflected on the usefulness of the evaluation exercise, explored innovative and effective practice in this area, and made proposals for improved ways of assessment, which make the best possible use of the existing data, provide meaningful data and analysis and support further development in this area, without creating a disproportionate burden for the countries.
At the margins of the meeting, a publication on “Curriculum Development and Review for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education” was launched. This publication is a joint initiative by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States and the Council of Europe.
Further information:
Background documents:
Council of Europe
- Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education (Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)7)
- Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2012)13 to member states on ensuring quality education
- Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2001)4 to member states on the European Convention on Human Rights in university education and professional training
Other
- Incheon Declaration.Education 2030: Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all
- Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Evaluation of the implementation of the second phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education - Report of the Offie of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/30/24)
- 1974 UNESCO Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Cooperation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms