Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

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Human Rights Education


In the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "human rights belong equally to all members of the human family". The ultimate aim of human rights education is the realisation of justice and peace through a process of empowerment.
 

What is human rights?

“Human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled ...All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood” (Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights).

What is Human Rights Education?

A two-way process of empowerment that implies a deeper understanding of human rights principles, the encouragement of commitment to social justice and solidarity with those who rights are denied; the development of critical thinking skills; and skills to effect change.

 

The IARS module "Human rights and young people" is one of the first courses introduced by the organisation. It has been successfully delivered to hunderds of young people from a variety of backgrounds. Through fun and creative learning, young people who attend this course learn their rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Act 1998, the European Convention on Human Rights, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 
Purpose of the training:
  • To learn how to stand up for justice!
  • To empower young people to actively engage in a two way process that encourages a human rights culture that is based on IARS' FRED principles of: Freedom, Respect, Equality and Dignity.
  • For those working with young people, to learn how to use available levers within human rights in order to provide a service that is not only within the law but also increases customer and service provider satisfaction.
Human rights are often taught or talked about as a fully realised project that Western democracies have nothign to worry about. Rarely, schools or educational institutions teach about the vertical relationship between the individual and the state. The emphasis is mainly given on the horizontal relations between individuals.
Children and young people know that human rights are yet to be realised particularly if they come from marginalised communities. They relate to their every day interractions with public services (whether this relates to health, stop and search or education). However, human rights have their limitations.
 
The main session covers:
  • Personal reflection and group discussion on what participants understand by "human rights". Definitions and a conceptual framework are developed.
  • Where do human rights come from?
  • Background to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act, and understanding some key principles, the differences between them, what kinds of bodies their rights are applicable to, and how these rights can be enforced.
  • Human rights in young people’s everyday lives (case studies). Practical exercises on using legal human rights.
  • How marginalised young people can practically use human rights and the Human Rights Act 1998.
  • The strengths and limitations of human rights as tools for change and transformation.

 

Participants will receive a training manual to guide them through the day. This manual will contain all the materials for the day and a list of references for further information. The day is a mixture of work in pairs, small group and whole group discussion. Some aspects of the course are ‘taught’ from the front. Practical exercises and case studies are used to facilitate discussion and aid understanding.

Evidence from IARS' young people:
"The training expanded my knowledge on Human Rights- it was brilliant”
 "I am now able to use this knowledge in future work as a better way of addressing issues”
IARS' Human Rights Training was selected as a case study by the Human Rights Inquiry Panel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. To read the evidence please visit the online library.
 
Cost:
- IARS interns registered with the organisation: FREE
- Guests are charged a small fee of £60 (£100 if coming from a private or public sector organisation).
- Organisations wishing to receive this training please get in touch with Dr. Theo Gavrielides to discuss further.