Part I Introduction to human rights education Doctors and nurses, lawyers and judges, social workers, journalists, police and military officials Some urgently need to understand human rights because of the power they have or the positions of responsibility they hold. Human rights courses should be fundamental to the curricula of medical schools, law schools, universities, police and military academies and other professional training institutions. Groups most at risk of human rights violations Human rights education must not be limited to formal schooling. Many people never attend school. Many live far from administrative centres. Yet they, as well as refugees, minorities, migrant workers, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and people living in poverty, are often among the most powerless and vulnerable to abuse. Vulnerable peoples need to understand their rights and the protection systems and processes they may engage to protect and uphold their rights. Activists and non-profit organizations A solid grounding in the human rights framework strengthens the work of human rights activists. Developing strategies for human rights activism strengthens human rights work. People working in NGOs may not recognize that they are engaged in human rights work. Those who work on issues such as fair wages, health care and housing may not understand their work in a human rights context or how the human rights framework can be used to help achieve their aims. Public office holders, whether elected or appointed An understanding of, and support for, human rights is critical for those who serve the interests of communities. All candidates for election should be required to make a public commitment to human rights and human rights should be included in the orientation and ongoing development of all new office holders. Power holders This group includes members of the business and banking community, landowners, traditional and religious leaders and anyone whose decisions and policies affect the lives of many people. As holders of power, it is important that they understand that human rights benefit the community and themselves and that human rights provide the basis for long-term stability and further development. Human rights education aims to strengthen the capacity of duty bearers to protect the rights of others. It aims to empower rights holders to take control of their lives. The effective design and delivery of human rights education requires an analysis of the power context of the participants. KEY POINTS: CHAPTER 2 • Human rights education is an essential tool for the realization of human rights. It is a lifelong process that involves all ages and levels and includes all forms of education, training and learning. Human rights education occurs in many settings, including public, private, formal, informal and non-formal situations. • Human rights education is included in a number of international human rights treaties and declarations. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training reaffirms the principles and standards of these treaties. • The purpose of human rights education is to disseminate knowledge about human rights, build the capability of people to apply human rights to their lives and to strengthen individuals and communities to take action toward human rights outcomes. • Human rights education is for everyone. Participants can be divided into three broad groups: rights holders, duty bearers and influencers. Chapter 2: Human rights education: An overview | 17