Education sector technical notes: human rights education

Human rights are enshrined in international law, and states have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil them. Despite this, human rights violations remain widespread. ◗ Educating children and adults on human rights is essential. Individuals and groups must understand their rights in order to see them upheld and to ensure that their own behavior does not compromise the rights of others. ◗ States have an obligation to promote human rights and human rights education is now recognized as a right in itself. ◗ UNESCO, along with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, co-leads the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing).