The United Nations Human Rights Council has underscored education’s vital role in bolstering democracy, governance, and the rule of law within its recent resolution. Emphasising the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Council proclaimed that unified efforts are essential to combat the troubling trend of democratic decline and the erosion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The resolution, adopted on April 2nd during the Council’s 58th session in Geneva, highlighted how inclusive and high-quality education fosters democratic values and critical thinking while tackling inequality. Sponsored by countries including Romania and Morocco, it identifies education as crucial for strengthening democratic institutions, combating discrimination, and ensuring that everyone, especially the vulnerable, can participate meaningfully in democracy.
Recognising the challenges posed by misinformation and hate speech, the resolution stresses the necessity of digital and media literacy in nurturing resilient democratic societies. It advocates for accessible education strategies that incorporate a variety of stakeholders—including civil society, Indigenous populations, and the private sector—in fostering democratic governance and encouraging public engagement.
The Council raised alarms over ongoing assaults on educational institutions, which have detrimental effects on both educational systems and democratic evolution. It reiterated the importance of creating safe and inclusive learning environments as foundational to human rights and the promotion of peace.
Democracy Without Borders welcomed this resolution, with Executive Director Andreas Bummel remarking that it reflects a growing international awareness of civic education’s role in democracy amid rising authoritarianism worldwide. The resolution’s call for unified actions in response to democratic decline also posits the need for appointing a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy, a proposal discussed during the session. Additionally, Democracy Without Borders has released a multilingual brochure titled “What is democracy?” to support civic education initiatives.
The UN Human Rights Council has asserted that education is pivotal for democracy and human rights. Its recent resolution calls for coordinated actions to prevent democratic decline and stresses the importance of inclusive education. It identifies digital literacy as essential in combating misinformation and advocates for safe educational environments to foster democratic values. It received support from civil society, highlighting its relevance in the face of rising authoritarianism.
In summary, the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution accentuates the indispensable role of education in fortifying democracy and human rights. It highlights the urgency of coordinated efforts to combat democratic erosion while promoting accessible, inclusive educational systems. Such initiatives not only foster critical thinking but also enable the participation of vulnerable groups. Recognising digital literacy as a crucial tool against misinformation is a key step towards resilient democracies and societal engagement.
Original Source: www.democracywithoutborders.org
