Education for Human Rights: Which Way Forward?

Anno 1994, the world we live in seems more and more contradictory and incomprehensible. On the one hand, instruments containing provisions for the protection and promotion of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are recognized by almost all governments; on the other hand, the same human rights and fundamental freedoms are violated to a high degree either by governments, groups of people or individual human beings. On the one hand, people and individuals strive for a more peaceful, equal and democratic world; on the other hand, their fellows prefer the use of weapons and the method of war. The current international tensions and conflicts raging over all continents, the continuing inequalities, the mass and gross violations of human rights, and the growing economic, political, cultural and social relations and interdependence, demonstrate a compelling need for international understanding, peace, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

A workshop paper on human rights education in Southern Africa, originally presented at SARIPS Workshop on Education for Human Rights in Southern Africa.