Need for education for human rights:

The principal aims of education for human rights should be:-

·         To strengthen respect for rights of a human being and fundamental freedom;

·         To develop fully the human personality and the sense its dignity;

·         To develop attitudes and behaviour to promote respect for the rights of others;

·         To ensure genuine gender equality and equal opportunities for women in all spheres;

·         To promote understanding and tolerance among diverse national, ethnic, religious, linguistic and other groups;

·         To empower people to participate actively in the life of a free society;

·         To promote democracy, development, social justice and communal harmony among citizens;
 

Contents of Education for Human Rights:

The education for human rights for being purposeful should have regards to the following:-

• All human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent, and all are essential for the development of human personality;
• It is the duty of states, regardless of their political, civil, economic and cultural systems and compulsions, to promote and protect and them;
• Universal respect for these rights (and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms) will contribute to stability, security and well-being, necessary for socio-economic development;
• Human rights, democracy, peace and development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing;
• Rights of women, girl-child and disadvantaged persons are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights;
• Human rights education should be aimed at full and equal participation of all these group in political, civil, economic, social and cultural life. Awareness towards prevention of gender based-violence, sexual harassment and exploitation should be a component of education programmes;
• Promotion and protection of the rights of child is a priority and requires dissemination of knowledge of relevant standards. Special efforts are needed to eradicate child labour , child prostitution, and child pornography;
• Special attention should be paid to the rights of persons belonging to various vulnerable group – like religious and linguistic minorities, displaced persons, migrant workers, elderly people, persons with HIV/AIDS and differently able but labeled as disabled people;
• Specially attention should be also given to the mobilization of the public opinion against major threats and challenges to human rights; terrorism, organized crime, corruption, trafficking of beings, violence etc.

Education for human rights should be multidisciplinary and should include;

• Knowledge of internationally recognized human rights standards enshrined in the Universal Declaration of  Human Rights, International Covenants, international convention, declaration and protocols, and international procedures and mechanisms for human rights protection as well as norms of international humanitarian law;
• Knowledge of national laws and procedures related to human rights;
• Skills necessary for the application of these standards and procedures in everyday life;
• Behavioral patterns based upon vigilance against violations of human rights wherever they occur;
• Knowledge of social realities and globalization prices.

Education in and for human right should also be aimed at the elimination of social and negative stereo types which in many ways become the source of discrimination and hatred. These concerns should be reflected in manuals, text books and other education materials
 

Contributors:

The achievement of the goals of education for human right can be ensured only through active co-operation and of all those who have the duty and obligation to promote and protect human rights. These contributions are; Parliamentarians and other elected representative, human rights institution, non government organization and the mass media. As a matter of fact every segment of the civil society have a vital role to play in promoting education for human rights. 

The mass media has a positive and a positive and a constructive role to play. It could include dissemination of information on human rights issue including information on violation of human rights and problems that demand urgent intervention. It can also work as an effective channel of communication in educating citizen for redressal of violation of their rights. In addition, they should highlight the success stories and positive experiences accumulated by the governmental and non-governmental players at national and international levels. 

As it is UN decade for human rights education(1995-2004) we need to take urgent measures for sensitizing masses, specially Public Servants and judiciary. Biggest barrier in enjoyment of rights is the mental barrier in the minds of executors. This has to change through sensitization programmes. They can play an important role in disseminating and implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They can be, with positive approach, most effective instrument for citizens to enjoy their rights. They judicial and redressal processes should be easily accessible, simple and sensitive to human rights concerns. These sensitization programmes will further open up ways for promotion of education for human rights. SHRC should plan training programmes for public servants at different levels . A cell for Education for Human Rights has to be established in every state. This cell will be responsible for promoting and consolidating education for human rights. They should plan the introduction for human rights at all stages of school, college and university curriculum. Talking of Rajasthan there are about 62,332 government educational institution, enrolling about 120 lack students who needs to be engaged in a positive manner to carry forward this mission. This way we would prepare a future generation of the country who are human rights sensitive. We needs to cover other educational streams as well including non formal institution. 

Figures for educational institutions and students in the country would be staggering. In India number of educational institutions are about 27.30 lac enrolling about 19.14 crore students. 

Teaching methodology and aids play an important role. Special attention should be given to the elaboration of educational materials suitable for formal and informal settings, and adapted to the needs and demands of various target groups. Such material should be available in national and local languages, in different forms and in sufficient number. Bearing in mind the special characteristics of the region and prevailing high level of illiteracy, innovative audio visual programmers should be prepared to suit the population in remote and rural areas. Further participatory methodology for the teaching of human rights be adopted. 

If a plan of action for educating masses for human rights is made involving students and teachers together than the aim of educating every individual for his own rights can be achieved. Though the issue of human rights has been included indirectly in standard I to VI text books but it is not enough. It is high time that efforts were made to strike the issue directly and openly. If this is done then a person will be educated on Human Rights since childhood and will developed as a well informed individual about his rights. Lok Jumbish ha developed a module on the basis of brochure published by SHRC. This paper will help in sensitizing about 40,000 teachers during training camps this summer which are being organized by Lok Jumbish. We are also planning to organize lectures on Human Rights at district levels in collaboration with SHRC. 

I would only urge – that when we are talking of Human Rights we are dealing with a very sensitive issue – we are dealing with the dignity of a human being- and it has to be handled with sensitivity and care. 

The champion of Human Rights, a great humanitarian and an apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi “ Begin with duties of a man and rights will follow Mahatma Gandhi said “ Begin with duties of a man and rights will follow as spring follows winter.” Rights and  responsibilities go together- this should be the corner stone of Education for Human Rights.