Summary

The present report is submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 10/3. It summarizes contributions and views expressed by Governments, national human rights institutions, intergovernmental and regional organizations as well as NGOs on the possible focus, in terms of target sector or thematic area, of the second phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education. These contributions were received between 3 June and 28 July 2009 in the context of a consultation conducted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The wide variety of different approaches contained in the responses received only allowed some general conclusions to be drawn, which are presented at the end of the report. A significant number of respondents highlighted that the focus on human rights education in primary and secondary schools should continue as the aims of the first phase have not yet been achieved. At the same time, a considerable number of respondents highlighted the need to focus attention on human rights training for teachers and educators, where not enough has been achieved and without which human rights education cannot be effectively integrated into the school system. A number of respondents cited tertiary or university education as the next proposed target area. A significant number of respondents pointed to the need for human rights training of duty bearers, especially law enforcement officials. As regards the thematic areas to be targeted, while numerous areas were recommended, often in the light of national realities, the role of human rights education in tackling poverty and the importance of focusing on the principles of non-discrimination and equality were most frequently highlighted. Finally, the majority of respondents proposed a period of five years for the second phase.