Resources

“Human Rights Education in the School Systems of Europe, Central Asia and North America: A Compendium of Good Practice” is a compilation of 101 examples of good practice in human rights education in primary schools, secondary schools and teacher training institutions in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) area, which is also covered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and, partially, the geographical mandate of the Council of Europe (CoE).

The term “human rights education” is often used in this resource in a broader sense, to also include educationfor democratic citizenship and education for mutual respect and understanding, which are all based on internationally agreed human rights standards. These three areas are seen as interconnected and essential within educational systems in order to prepare youth to be active, responsible and caring participants in their communities, as well as at the national and global levels.

Human rights education has been defined as education, training and information aimed at building a universal culture of human rights. A comprehensive education in human rights not only provides knowledge about human rights and the mechanisms that protect them, but also imparts the skills needed to promote, defend and apply human rights in daily life. Education for democratic citizenship focuses on educational practices and activities designed to help young people and adults to play an active part in democratic life and exercise their rights and responsibilities in society. Education for mutual respect and understanding highlights self-respect, respect for others, and the improvement of relationships between people of differing cultural traditions.

This book aims to support quality teaching in these areas and to inspire educational policymakers (those working in education ministries and local school boards) and administrators, teachers, teacher trainers, non-formal educators and all other interested actors, as well as to facilitate networking and the exchange of experience among education professionals.