Definition of Human Rights

In common with the goals of the World Program for Human Rights Education, we aim to facilitate the development and understanding of our common responsibility to make human rights a reality in society. The development of a culture of human rights helps to prevent human rights abuses and violent conflicts, promotes equality and sustainable development, and enhances participation in democratic processes.

For the purposes of this program we are employing an internationally agreed upon definition of human rights education: “education, training and information aiming at building a universal culture of human rights through the sharing of knowledge, imparting of skills and molding of attitudes directed to:

• The strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
• The full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity;
• The promotion of understanding, tolerance, gender equality and friendship among all nations, indigenous peoples and racial, national, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups;
• The enabling of all persons to participate effectively in a free and democratic society governed by the rule of law;
• The building and maintenance of peace;
• The promotion of people-centered sustainable development and social justice.”

(Taken from the: 59th session, Agenda item 105 (b), Annex I.A.3.) [P.12 in United Nations Plan of Action Doc.]