38 NGOs, including Soroptimist International, have joined an NGO statement assessing the draft UN declaration on Human Rights Education and Training. This is being presented at the 16th session of the Human Rights Council, which meets this week.

The statement reflects discussions facilitated by the NGO working group on Human Rights Education and Learning and others, and reflects the views of NGOs on the proposed declaration. The purpose of statements like this is to give Civil Society Organisations a chance to comment on the proposed declarations before they are passed, allowing the opinions and perspectives of this important group to be heard, considered, and incorporated where appropriate.

The statement confirms the commitment of the NGO group to human rights education and training, viewing it as a fundamental endeavour for dealing with the root causes of human rights violations and abuses. It is through human rights education and training that all human rights for all people can be realised. Through the widespread acceptance and adoption of human rights education and training, we can build a “universal culture of human rights”.

In particular, the statement upholds the view that human rights education and training is a “lifelong process that concerns all ages, in all forms of education, training and learning, whether in public or private, informal or non-formal setting[s]”.

On the subject of the rights based approach, long supported by Soroptimist International, the statement argues that all delivery should integrate a rights based approach which “recognises the duty bearers and rights-holders and incorporates the principles of non-discrimination and equality, participation and inclusion, accountability and the rule of law.”

The statement calls upon Member States to ensure that “everyone in their territory has access to human rights education and training” and welcomes the recognition of the important role of NGOs in providing human rights education and training. As a result of this, the statement calls for necessary support to be made available – both political and financial.

The statement ends: “We would like to stress the significance and impact of the eventual proclamation by the General Assembly, whereby international standards for human rights education will be officially proclaimed by the UN for the first time, and we hope that it will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to encourage a more conscious and robust culture of human rights in all countries”.

To read the full statement, please visit:

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/16session/documentation.htm

Please click on number 3: NGO written statements. Looking at the ‘symbol’ column, scroll down to find document number A/HRC/16/NGO/116. Click on "E" on the right side.

Alternatively, email hq@soroptimistinternational.org for a copy of the statement.