Human Rights Education
Curriculum and Resources
"Why is human rights education so important? Because, as it says in the constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 'Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed'. The more people know their own rights, and the more they respect those of others, the better the chance that they will live together in peace. Only when people are educated about human rights can we hope to prevent human rights violations, and thus prevent conflict as well."
-Kofi Annan, Dec. 10, 2000
Below you will find links to human rights curriculum and other educational resources produced and compiled by The Advocates for Human Rights. All of the materials result from expertise gained by specific components of our work, such as refugee and immigrant issues in Minnesota, fact-finding missions pertaining to children's rights and women's rights, human rights issues since September 11, and other areas of human rights. For additional resources and lesson ideas, please contact The Advocates Education Program at kseipp@mnadvocates.org, 612-341-3302 ext. 124. A list of our educational materials available for purchase can be found at this link.
Featured Human Rights Education Lesson Plans and Activities
· New Second Edition of “Energy of a Nation: Immigrants In America” Teaching Guide! The Advocates for Human Rights has released a new second edition of our teaching guide titled, “Energy of a Nation: Immigrants in America.” This valuable learning tool uses easy-to-read charts, tables, graphs, and maps to convey important information about immigration such as: who comes from other countries to settle in the U.S., why they come, the process by which they are allowed in, where they settle, their impact on the economy, and the "nuts and bolts" of U.S. immigration policy. Immigration is presented within an historical context and through firsthand accounts and role-playing activities. This great resource is aimed for Grade 8 through Adult audiences. It can be used in classes discussing current events, civics, economics, geography, history, law, social studies, art, literature, and other subject areas.
You may access individual lessons or the entire "Energy of a Nation" teaching guide free of charge at the sidebar to the right. If you wish to purchase a printed copy, click here.
· Survival: Every Child's Right [Not currently available]
Comprised of five distinct lessons, Survival: Every Child's Right is designed to inform and educate students from grades 8-12. It is a relevant, lucid, and thought-provoking introduction to the broad ideas of human rights (such as social, economic, and cultural rights), while delving more specifically into the realm of children's rights. Through use of case studies and discussion questions, it exposes students to a broad range of human rights ideas and vocabulary. It is valuable resource for the new educator unfamiliar with human rights curriculum, as well those seasoned in the principles of human rights. {This curriculum is not currently available on our website. Please check back in Fall 2005.]
· Citizenship Test
This short sample quiz, produced by US Citizenship & Immigration Services, reveals the information that immigrants are required to know in order to become a U.S. citizen.
· Post-September 11th Curriculum
Guantanamo Bay
Resources and a lesson plan aimed at high school classes. In this lesson, students will examine the history, controversies, adn current issues surrounding U.S. at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Students will consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there. This lesson is especially relevant in a government or civics class but may be used in any social studies class in which current events are discussed.
September 11th Curriculum Resources
Links to resources and lesson plans related to the September 11th attacks.
Additional Resources
| 
