Teachers aspire to provide children with an education that prepares them for a happy and productive life; in which they learn to have respect for others in a setting in which they, themselves, are safe. These are also human rights goals. In the U.S., most children have experienced freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; the right to education; and the freedom of movement. However, many also experience denial of their rights through bullying, name-calling, lack of quality education for particular groups, or more serious abuse.
These challenges are not unique to the U.S. Based on growing international agreement, the United Nations adopted the World Program for Human Rights Education on December 10th, 2004, citing the following benefits of human rights education (HRE):
This online manual is for all teachers interested in getting started as a human rights educator.
WHAT are human rights?
WHAT is human rights education (HRE)?
WHY teach human rights?
HOW do I teach human rights?
HRE Teaching Methods
WHO should be involved?
WHERE can human rights take my classroom?
HRE recommended resources