Part I Introduction to human rights education Human rights are interdependent, interrelated and indivisible Human rights are intricately related to each other and none has priority over another. It is not acceptable to respect some human rights and not others. The enjoyment of one right is often dependent on the enjoyment of other rights. The violation of one right will often adversely affect other rights. Improving accessibility to one right will often advance the accessibility of other rights. Human rights are equal and non-discriminatory Human rights prohibit discrimination on the basis of any human characteristic. The principle of nondiscrimination applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms. It is complemented by the principle of equality, meaning that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Human rights are both rights and obligations Human rights belong to everyone and are the responsibility of everyone. Every person in relation to another and every group in relation to another, has a relationship of rights and obligations. States assume particular obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to promote human rights. 1.2. THE HUMAN RIGHTS STORY Human rights have existed for as long as humankind has existed. Most of the world’s major philosophies, religions and cultures have recognized human rights concepts in one form or another for centuries. These are what make up our human rights story. Some of the formal agreements that were forged among peoples are listed below. These examples are not a complete list. There will be others that relate specifically to the countries and communities within which human rights educators work. International Human Rights Timeline (c. 1750 BC – 1919 AD)4 c. 1750 BC: The Code of Hammurabi, Babylonia, drafted by the first king of the Babylonian Empire, is one of the first known written codes of law in recorded history. It included the idea of the presumption of innocence and suggested that the accused and accuser should be given the opportunity to provide evidence. c. 1200–100 BC: The Old Testament, also called the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, is an account of God’s dealings with the Hebrews. Along with the Ten Commandments, Old Testament laws include respect for life and property rights (for example, the obligation not to kill), the asylum tradition of synagogues and the principle of the presumption of innocence. c. 551–479 BC: the teachings of Confucius include the twin principles of “[wh]at one does not wish for oneself, one ought not to do to anyone else; what one recognizes as desirable for oneself, one ought to be willing to grant to others”. c. 40–100 AD: The New Testament provides an account of the life and teachings of Jesus and his apostles. Central principles include forgiveness, equality before God and compassion. c. 644–645 AD: The Koran is the Muslim holy book and is considered to be the word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel over a 23-year period. It shares many stories with the Bible, including Noah’s Ark and Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. It includes the principles of privacy, freedom, dignity and equality. 4 International Human Rights Milestones; New Zealand Human Rights Commission; 2008. Available online at www.hrc.co.nz/ files/2714/2399/5138/10-Mar-2009_10-14-19_International_Milestones_Final.pdf. Chapter 1: Human rights: An overview | 3