Education in human rights is itself a fundamental human right, and governments have a responsibility to ensure that people know about their rights.

The Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights exhorts “every individual and every organ of society” to “strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms”.

Article 26.2 of the UDHR states that 

"Education shall be directed … to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace".

The UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training states that 

"States are duty-bound, as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and in other human rights instruments, to ensure that education is aimed at  strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms".

Article 1 of the same Declaration states 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”.

The Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education “[recalls] the core mission of the Council of Europe to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law”, acknowledges the central role of education and training in furthering this mission, and calls on governments of member states to implement the measures outlined in the Charter, and to “ensure that the Charter is widely disseminated to their authorities responsible for education and youth”.

In general, people who do not know their rights tend to be more vulnerable to rights abuses and the often lack the language and conceptual framework to be able to advocate effectively for them. All the more reason for introducing human rights education to children! 

There is a growing consensus around the world which recognises that a quality education needs to include education for, about and through human rights. Such an education can contribute to the building of free, just and peaceful societies. Human rights education is also increasingly recognised as an effective strategy to prevent human rights abuses.

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