International Human Rights Day, observed on December 10th, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. It is a day to raise awareness about the rights that every human is entitled to, such as the right to education, freedom, and equality.
- What is the UDHR?
- Introduce students to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which outlines the basic rights and freedoms everyone should have, regardless of nationality, gender, race, or religion.
- Why It’s Important
- Discuss the importance of human rights in ensuring equality, fairness, and justice for all. Highlight global issues where these rights are still being fought for, and connect this to values like respect, kindness, and inclusion.
- Children’s Rights
- Explore the Convention on the Rights of the Child, explaining how children have the right to education, safety, and a voice in decisions that affect them.
Lesson Ideas:
- Human Rights Poster: Have students design posters illustrating different human rights, like the right to education or freedom of speech.
- Rights in Action: Discuss real-world examples of how human rights are protected or challenged, and encourage students to think about ways they can promote fairness and respect in their own lives.
- Children’s Rights Debate: Organise a simple debate on children’s rights or hold a discussion on the importance of equality and fairness.