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Human rights education

© DIMR/B. Dietl

What is human rights education?

Human rights are the foundation for equal coexistence in society. Those who educate themselves about human rights learn to better understand their own rights and the rights of others. Human rights education encourages people to reflect on their own ways of thinking and attitudes and to take a critical look at social structures and norms. It is based on principles such as inclusion, protection against discrimination, participation and solidarity.

What can human rights education do?

Human rights education not only imparts knowledge (and insights), it gives people the opportunity to experience equality in co-operation and encourages them to stand up for their own rights and the rights of everyone around them. In line with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training of 2011, we describe this approach as education about human rights, through human rights and for human rights.

Who is human rights education aimed at?

Human rights education is aimed at people at all ages and stages of life. From kindergarten to school to further vocational training: human rights education can play a significant role in any educational context. It is particularly important in professional fields that deal with vulnerable groups, such as children or people affected by social disadvantage. It is indispensable in professional fields that are entrusted with the exercise of state power, such as police officers, civil servants or teachers.
 

“Everyone has the right to know, seek and receive information about all human rights and fundamental freedoms and should have access to human rights education and training.”

United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training 
Article 1

Key concerns

  • Anchoring human rights education in the curricula and frameworks of the entire education system in order to fulfil its fundamental role from early childhood education to schools, universities, vocational education and training and adult education.
  • All people have the same right to education. It is therefore particularly important that human rights education programmes are as accessible, participatory and inclusive as possible.
  • Making human rights education accessible to everyone. The state – at national, federal state and local level – is responsible for creating the framework conditions for this and providing the necessary resources.

Publications

Standard Human Rights

  • Handbook

This manual distils the essence of the project „Maßstab Menschenrechte”. This two-year project, funded by the „Demokratie Leben!” programme, developed, organised and ran workshops on the topics of flight, forced migration, asylum and racism. The aim was to approach these topics on the basis of sound methodology, expert knowledge on the topics, and human rights expertise

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The human right to education in the German school system

  • Analysis/study

The present analysis is intended as to help shift human rights more into the focus of discussions on education and educational justice, particularly with respect to protection against discrimination. Protection against discrimination, as a structural principle…

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Applying a human rights-based approach to the challenges of our time

  • Other publications

The Strategy 2024-2028 presents the tasks that the Institute will prioritise in the coming years in accordance with its mandate to promote and protect human rights in and through Germany: Task 1: Advocating for the equality of all people and strengthening…

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All publications

Topics

We see human rights education as a cross-sectional task that in principle addresses all social groups. Here you will find material on selected current and previous focal points of the department's work.

What are human rights?

Are human rights universally valid? Are some rights more important than others? How can I stand up for human rights? The FAQ answers 30 questions about the history, development and effects of human rights.

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Contact

Portraitfoto von Michael Schwandt. Er ist ca. 50 Jahre alt, hat braune Augen, seine Haare sind sehr kurz geschnitten. Er trägt eine dunkel gerahmte Brille, graues Hemd und schwarzes Sakko.
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Michael Schwandt

Head of Department

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 47

E-mail: schwandt(at)dimr.de

Sandra Reitz hat kurzes Haar und eine graufarbene Brille. Sie trägt ein hellblaues Polo-Shirt..
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Dr. Sandra Reitz

Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors on Fundamental Questions of Human Rights Education

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 446

E-mail: reitz(at)dimr.de

Dunkelblauer Hintergrund mit einem Kopf und Körper gezeichnet mit weißen Strichen.

Laila Abdul-Rahman

Researcher and Policy Adviser

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 365

E-mail: labdul-rahman(at)dimr.de

Portrait von Josephine Akinyosoye
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Josephine Akinyosoye

Researcher and Policy Adviser

Phone: +4930 259 359 – 46

E-mail: akinyosoye(at)dimr.de

Porträtfoto von Mutlu Ergün-Hamaz. Er ist ca. 44 Jahre alt, ist eine Person of Colour und hat braune Augen, seine Haare sind millimeterkurz geschnitten. Er trägt eine blaue Jacke.
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Dr. Mutlu Ergün-Hamaz

Researcher and Policy Adviser

Phone: +4930 259 359 – 452

E-mail: erguen-hamaz(at)dimr.de

© DIMR/B. Dietl

Jana Kind

Project Assistant FRA (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights)

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 484

E-mail: kind(at)dimr.de

Dunkelblauer Hintergrund mit einem Kopf und Körper gezeichnet mit weißen Strichen.

Jana Scheuring

Researcher and Policy Adviser

Phone: +4930 259 359 – 0

E-mail: jscheuring(at)dimr.de

Portrait von Müge Zünbül
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Müge Zünbül

Researcher and Policy Adviser

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 460

E-mail: zuenbuel(at)dimr.de

Portrait von Dîlan Terzi mit langen dunklen Haaren, einem schwarzen Oberteil lächelnd vor einer grauen Wand.
© DIMR/B. Dietl

Dîlan Terzi

Student Assistant

Phone: +4930 259 359 - 443

E-mail: terzi(at)dimr.de

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