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Questions and Answers: a resource for teachers |
Fri, 06/30/2006 - 00:00 — amnesty
WHAT
What is Amnesty International?
Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
AI is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
What is Human Rights Education?
Human Rights Education is one of the tools for putting the theory of human rights into practice. Human rights are inalienable but this does not mean that everybody understands (a) that they have these rights or (b) the complex issues that are involved. Human Rights Education can assist people to understand the theory of human rights and integrate it into their everyday lives, play a role in protecting their own rights and take action to defend the rights of others.
Human Rights Education is all about helping people to develop to the point where they understand human rights and where they feel that they are important and should be respected and defended within a framework of interactive and participatory methodologies. Human Rights Education is concerned with changing attitudes and behaviour, learning new skills, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and information
What is the difference between Civics, Moral education, Citizenship education, Intercultural education, Peace, Intercultural and Global education? Where does Human Rights Education fit in?
These are all slightly different, and usually the study of civics and citizenship in particular are often closely aligned to the rights and responsibilities of a citizen in a particular country and often associated with the legal framework of that country. However, all these overlapping themes equip pupils the skills, knowledge and attitudes to articulate their rights and communicate this knowledge to others, but Human Rights Education provides the overarching framework for the delivery of this knowledge and aims to create an environment conducive to human rights values.
What does the “Right to Education” mean and how does this relate to human rights education?
The “Right to Education” encompasses many of the principles outlined in the UDHR and Convention on the Rights of the Child, and as a starting point argues for free compulsory education at primary and secondary level on a global basis. Human Rights Education embraces this right and advocates for a human rights approach in all learning, so that human rights values and principles can be applied in our everyday lives.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and what does it say about human rights education?
Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
It is the most widely accepted statement of human rights principles in the world and although in itself it is not legally binding, it accepted as a general statement of human rights standards, with its core message inherent in the value of every human being. The Declaration was unanimously adopted on the 10th December 1948 by the United Nations (although 8 nations did abstain). It sets out a list of basic rights for everyone in the world whatever their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It states that governments have promised to uphold certain rights, not only for their own citizens, but also for people in other countries.
Specifically on education it says -
Preamble
''...The General Assembly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights... to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms...''
Article 26 says of the UDHR also says :
''Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding among all the nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.''
What is the Convention on the rights of the Child and what does it say about human rights education?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989, to protect the rights of children. The Convention is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, with 192 State parties to date, and sets forth a wide range of provisions that encompass civil rights and freedoms, family environment, basic health and welfare, education, leisure and cultural activities and special protection measures for children and to date has been ratified by 192 countries.
Articles 28 and 29 recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity.
What other international treaties promote and advocate human rights education?
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) under Article 13
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979): Article 10
International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) : Article 7
Council of Europe : Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms : (1954) Article 2
American Convention on Human Rights (1978) : Article 12 (4)
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1999), Article 12
Do we need a special international treaty on Human Rights Education?
Many of the international treaties already contain measures for providing and improving education, and at this present time, there are no plans for an international treaty on Human Rights Education. It is hoped that the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education will ensure that progress is made on the promotion of Human Rights Education and that it will become a recognised subject within the curriculm of all countries.
What does a UN resolution mean, and how binding is this on states?
A UN resolution is a formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion on a particular situation or event put forward at a UN meeting that requires government action. The UN Resolution on the World Programme, E/CN.4/RES/2004/71 recommended that a World Programme for Human Rights Education be adopted and launched by January 2005. General Assembly resolutions unlike those of the Security Council are usually non-binding on states, and are essentially on suggestions on states.
What is a UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education?
A UN Special Rapporteur is someone appointed by the UN Commission on Human Rights on a voluntary basis to investigate a specific situation and make recommendations verbally and in writing at UN fora. The present UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Vernor Muñoz Villalobos will examine, monitor and publicly report on the situation regarding access to, and the quality of education internationally, and report back to the UN Commission on Human Rights.
What is the UN Commission on Human Rights and how often does it meet?
The UN Commission meets annually during March/April for six weeks in Geneva, and discusses and debates human rights situations around the world. It is comprised of state representatives of which there are 53, and will adopt recommendations and decisions which are then reported to the bigger UN Economic and Social Council, which in turn will reports to the UN General Assembly.
What is the UN General Assembly and how often does it meet?
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations. It is composed of representatives of all Member States, each of which has one vote. It has six main committees, the third of which is devoted to social, humanitarian and culutral issues. It meets in New York all through the year, with its regular session beginning each September.
WHERE
Where can I find information on resources for teaching human rights education?
There are now a lot of materials available on human rights education, for teachers, human rights activists, NGOs, government bodies and for many other institutions.
Human Rights Education Associates Library
Human Rights Resource Center
OHCHR Resource Collection on Human Rights Education and Training
Where can I find information about the UN Decade on Human Rights Education /UN World Programme?
Human Rights Education Associates
United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education History
Where can I find information on the “Right to Education”?
The Right to Education Project
UNESCO
Where can I find the address of my Ministry of Education?
Worldwide Governments on the WWW
Where can I find information on international/local non-governmental organisations that can help with this action?
There are many organisations that may want to help with this action
HOW
How can I start an Amnesty school group in support of the lobbying action?
Setting up an Amnesty group at your school is easy and simple! You can check out the document "A Guide to Setting up an Amnesty International Youth Group" for some basic guidelines on how it should be done.
Please contact AIHK office by emailing to admin-hk@amnesty.org.hk or by calling at 2300-1250 and see the support we can offer!
What is Amnesty International?
Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
In pursuit of this vision, AI’s mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
AI is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
What is Human Rights Education?
Human Rights Education is one of the tools for putting the theory of human rights into practice. Human rights are inalienable but this does not mean that everybody understands (a) that they have these rights or (b) the complex issues that are involved. Human Rights Education can assist people to understand the theory of human rights and integrate it into their everyday lives, play a role in protecting their own rights and take action to defend the rights of others.
Human Rights Education is all about helping people to develop to the point where they understand human rights and where they feel that they are important and should be respected and defended within a framework of interactive and participatory methodologies. Human Rights Education is concerned with changing attitudes and behaviour, learning new skills, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and information
What is the difference between Civics, Moral education, Citizenship education, Intercultural education, Peace, Intercultural and Global education? Where does Human Rights Education fit in?
These are all slightly different, and usually the study of civics and citizenship in particular are often closely aligned to the rights and responsibilities of a citizen in a particular country and often associated with the legal framework of that country. However, all these overlapping themes equip pupils the skills, knowledge and attitudes to articulate their rights and communicate this knowledge to others, but Human Rights Education provides the overarching framework for the delivery of this knowledge and aims to create an environment conducive to human rights values.
What does the “Right to Education” mean and how does this relate to human rights education?
The “Right to Education” encompasses many of the principles outlined in the UDHR and Convention on the Rights of the Child, and as a starting point argues for free compulsory education at primary and secondary level on a global basis. Human Rights Education embraces this right and advocates for a human rights approach in all learning, so that human rights values and principles can be applied in our everyday lives.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and what does it say about human rights education?
Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
It is the most widely accepted statement of human rights principles in the world and although in itself it is not legally binding, it accepted as a general statement of human rights standards, with its core message inherent in the value of every human being. The Declaration was unanimously adopted on the 10th December 1948 by the United Nations (although 8 nations did abstain). It sets out a list of basic rights for everyone in the world whatever their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It states that governments have promised to uphold certain rights, not only for their own citizens, but also for people in other countries.
Specifically on education it says -
Preamble
''...The General Assembly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights... to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms...''
Article 26 says of the UDHR also says :
''Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding among all the nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.''
What is the Convention on the rights of the Child and what does it say about human rights education?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989, to protect the rights of children. The Convention is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, with 192 State parties to date, and sets forth a wide range of provisions that encompass civil rights and freedoms, family environment, basic health and welfare, education, leisure and cultural activities and special protection measures for children and to date has been ratified by 192 countries.
Articles 28 and 29 recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity.
What other international treaties promote and advocate human rights education?
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) under Article 13
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979): Article 10
International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) : Article 7
Council of Europe : Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms : (1954) Article 2
American Convention on Human Rights (1978) : Article 12 (4)
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1999), Article 12
Do we need a special international treaty on Human Rights Education?
Many of the international treaties already contain measures for providing and improving education, and at this present time, there are no plans for an international treaty on Human Rights Education. It is hoped that the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education will ensure that progress is made on the promotion of Human Rights Education and that it will become a recognised subject within the curriculm of all countries.
What does a UN resolution mean, and how binding is this on states?
A UN resolution is a formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion on a particular situation or event put forward at a UN meeting that requires government action. The UN Resolution on the World Programme, E/CN.4/RES/2004/71 recommended that a World Programme for Human Rights Education be adopted and launched by January 2005. General Assembly resolutions unlike those of the Security Council are usually non-binding on states, and are essentially on suggestions on states.
What is a UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education?
A UN Special Rapporteur is someone appointed by the UN Commission on Human Rights on a voluntary basis to investigate a specific situation and make recommendations verbally and in writing at UN fora. The present UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Vernor Muñoz Villalobos will examine, monitor and publicly report on the situation regarding access to, and the quality of education internationally, and report back to the UN Commission on Human Rights.
What is the UN Commission on Human Rights and how often does it meet?
The UN Commission meets annually during March/April for six weeks in Geneva, and discusses and debates human rights situations around the world. It is comprised of state representatives of which there are 53, and will adopt recommendations and decisions which are then reported to the bigger UN Economic and Social Council, which in turn will reports to the UN General Assembly.
What is the UN General Assembly and how often does it meet?
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations. It is composed of representatives of all Member States, each of which has one vote. It has six main committees, the third of which is devoted to social, humanitarian and culutral issues. It meets in New York all through the year, with its regular session beginning each September.
WHERE
Where can I find information on resources for teaching human rights education?
There are now a lot of materials available on human rights education, for teachers, human rights activists, NGOs, government bodies and for many other institutions.
Human Rights Education Associates Library
Human Rights Resource Center
OHCHR Resource Collection on Human Rights Education and Training
Where can I find information about the UN Decade on Human Rights Education /UN World Programme?
Human Rights Education Associates
United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education History
Where can I find information on the “Right to Education”?
The Right to Education Project
UNESCO
Where can I find the address of my Ministry of Education?
Worldwide Governments on the WWW
Where can I find information on international/local non-governmental organisations that can help with this action?
There are many organisations that may want to help with this action
HOW
How can I start an Amnesty school group in support of the lobbying action?
Setting up an Amnesty group at your school is easy and simple! You can check out the document "A Guide to Setting up an Amnesty International Youth Group" for some basic guidelines on how it should be done.
Please contact AIHK office by emailing to admin-hk@amnesty.org.hk or by calling at 2300-1250 and see the support we can offer!