A/HRC/19/77
71.
Speaking on behalf of the African Group, the representative of Senegal, referred to
his support for education in the fight against racism on condition that effective resources
are allocated in order for it to have an impact on students, lecturers, teachers and all people
in society. The representative therefore stressed the need to extend this kind of education
also to people outside the formal educational system.
72.
The representative of Brazil stated that education was a good means to fight racism.
In this regard, Brazil had launched several initiatives with UNESCO, such as the
publication of anti-racism educational tools for schools.
73.
The representative of South Africa enquired about the support provided by
UNESCO to States in promoting educational programmes against racism, and about the
difficulties met by the Organization when attempting to convince States to use education as
a tool to combat racism.
74.
Mr. Iye replied to Senegal and expressed his agreement that education as a tool to
fight racism should be extended beyond the school. He referred to the efforts made by
UNESCO to develop means such as multimedia tools to target people outside the formal
educational system. With regard to the enquiry made by South Africa, the difficulties in
implementing educational instruments were encountered in cultural environments, because
educational programmes had to be adapted to cultural contexts; UNESCO therefore
intended to promote intercultural dialogue and to share good practices among countries and
regions.
75.
The Chairperson of the Board Active Citizenship Foundation, Ms. Szelenyi,
presented different ways to achieve a comprehensive approach to designing education as a
tool for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, stating
that the harmonization of policy, governance and programme elements in education were
necessary. In order to change and achieve democratic attitudes in children and young
adults, it was important to adopt an anti-segregation education policy, establish inclusive
schools, and develop participative school governance. She also highlighted the importance
of political will and cooperation with civil society to achieve these goals. Ms. Szelenyi
stressed the fact that history teaching was an instrument of knowledge and dialogue
contributing to inter-ethnic reconciliation and understanding; collaborative revision of
history textbooks in order to dispel the erroneous clichés and prejudices was therefore
necessary. She added that web-based technology and social media were crucial tools in
sharing information and knowledge in all settings of education and could play an important
role in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
76.
The Director of the International Institute for the Studies in Race, Reconciliation and
Social Justice of the South African University of the Free State, Professor Andre Keet,
made a presentation on the importance of the role of national human rights institutions and
higher education in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance through education. He presented examples of good practices in the field of
education from South Africa, and stressed the need to develop a new pedagogy that would
give educational expression to the objectives of the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action.
77.
Both Ms. Szelenyi and Prof. Keet stressed the importance of formal and non-formal
education, and highlighted the need to include democratic citizenship and human rights
education in the core curricula at schools and universities. They also pointed out the role
played by teachers and their responsibility as key players in combatting stereotypes and
discriminatory attitudes.
78.
Following the presentations, a discussion was held on the importance of education
as a tool for combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. A
delegate confirmed the important role that national human rights institutions and civil
society can play in the field of education and training, and stressed the need to continue
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