Human Rights Commission

8 May 2007

Publication heralds human rights in education for student success

The authors of a publication launched in the Grand Hall, Parliament tonight believe it has the power to change the educational outcomes of thousands of New Zealand children.

Building Human Rights Communities in Education was launched by the Speaker of the House Margaret Wilson this evening.

The publication brings to New Zealand the concept of using the principles defined in human rights conventions, principally the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a way to develop effective citizens who understand the importance of making a positive contribution to their school and community.

Executive director of Amnesty International Ced Simpson, the spokesperson for the organisations behind the publication said, "This is an opportunity New Zealand educators should welcome. There's clear evidence that a well-introduced human rights based approach in our classrooms will reduce discrimination and bullying and raise student achievement".

The publication brings together national and international research on the positive impact of human rights based education and comes up with recommendations to introduce an approach here.

"Rather than a subject that children study, human rights principles, particularly the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, are integrated into the way an educational institution functions at all levels. Children are regarded as full citizens with specific rights and responsibilities that are universally acknowledged," said Simpson.

He hoped that the publication would help provide a direction for future education policy. Building Human Rights Communities in Education is jointly published by Amnesty International, the Development Resource Centre, the Children's Commissioner, the Peace Foundation and the Human Rights Commission.

For the publication, go to the Commission's website: www.hrc.co.nz

For more information about the programme see www.rightsined.org.nz

ENDS

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