Human Rights & Education

This book discusses the relationship between human rights and education. Education as a human right and education for human rights are currently the topics of considerable debate worldwide. In addition to their traditional role of transmitting knowledge and values, education systems are being pressed to respond to a new range of aspirations and to a wide variety of economic, political, social and cultural developments whose roots lie outside the education system. Human rights education is much wider than just teaching about human rights; it should lead to an understanding of, and sympathy for, the concepts of democracy, justice, equality, freedom, solidarity, peace, dignity, rights and responsibilities. Young people are guaranteed their right to education, and education systems should equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they will need if they are to take an active part in the operation of democratic institutions.