A/HRC/39/35
the theme “World Programme for Human Rights Education: what focus for the fourth
phase?”. The event was co-sponsored by the States Platform on Human Rights Education
and Training in the Human Rights Council (Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco, Philippines,
Senegal, Slovenia and Thailand) and the Liaison Office of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Geneva. A brief summary of the
discussions as reflected in the report on the side event is included below.
8.
The first phase (2005–2009) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education
was dedicated to the integration of human rights education into the primary and secondary
school systems (see A/59/525/Rev.1). The second phase (2010–2014) focused on human
rights education in higher education and human rights training for teachers and educators,
civil servants, law enforcement officials and military personnel (see A/HRC/15/28). The
third phase (2015–2019) has focused on strengthening the implementation of the first two
phases and promoting human rights training for media professionals and journalists (see
A/HRC/27/28).
9.
In the present report, OHCHR summarizes all the submissions received and presents
some general conclusions on the basis of the information contained in them. As requested
by the Human Rights Council, it focuses on the target sectors, focus areas or thematic
human rights issues proposed for the fourth phase. Information on specific human rights
education programmes or other issues raised by respondents has not been included.
II. Responses from Governments
10.
Pursuant to its national priorities, the Government of the Plurinational State of
Bolivia proposed, as focus areas for the fourth phase of the World Programme, the
development of socio-communitarian values and strategies to combat violence and to foster
peaceful coexistence in the education systems, in accordance with human rights and
fundamental freedoms; the development of strategies to foster responsible participation
through democratic processes; and the eradication of spiritual poverty, in line with the
Sustainable Development Goals.
11.
The Government of Chile suggested that the thematic focus for the fourth phase
should be education for the prevention of mass atrocities. As a member of the Latin
American Network for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, Chile supported the
thematic proposal of the network, as approved during its meetings, held in Quito in
November 2016 and in New York in October 2017. In a document annexed to the
submission, the fundamental role that education played in the prevention of mass atrocities
and the creation of a culture of peace and human rights was highlighted; education systems
should reflect ethnic, cultural and national diversity in society and promote social inclusion,
respect for human rights and democratic citizenship among new generations. It also stated
that education programmes should be accompanied by complementary public policies that
respond to local contexts and needs.
12.
The Government of Costa Rica also proposed a focus on human rights education as
a means to prevent mass atrocities. It stated that education played a preventive role by
creating more peaceful societies and fostering respect for human dignity.
13.
The Government of Cuba suggested that the right to development should be the
thematic focus for the fourth phase, and that political decision makers, parliamentarians and
civil society should be the main target sectors. The right to development was indispensable
for the enjoyment of all human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development
Goals; full acceptance of the right to development by main actors at the global level would
contribute to the universalization of human rights.
14.
The Government of Cyprus proposed a focus on human trafficking and on refugees,
asylum seekers and migrants, given that these groups faced serious challenges to their
enjoyment of human rights. They should therefore be the main target sectors of the fourth
phase, together with the general public, employers, health professionals and public servants.
15.
The Government of Honduras stressed the importance of strengthening the previous
phases of the World Programme, and that a focus on the prevention of genocide, mass
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