Human Rights in Education

Course Description

This course introduces student-teachers to the principles and practices of human rights as they relate to education. It explores international human rights instruments, the right to education, gender equality, child rights, and the responsibilities of teachers as human rights promoters. Special attention is given to Somalia’s context, including issues of access, equity, and inclusion, as well as the empowerment of female teachers and learners.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the foundations and key principles of human rights and their link to education.
• Analyze international conventions and national policies that guarantee the right to education.
• Apply human rights concepts to classroom management, curriculum, and school leadership.
• Evaluate challenges to human rights in Somali schools (e.g., gender inequality, access to education, child protection).
• Promote inclusive and gender-responsive pedagogical practices.
• Demonstrate strategies to integrate human rights education into secondary school teaching.

Required Materials

Core Textbooks

• Tibbitts, F., & Kirchschlaeger, P. (2010). Human Rights Education: Theory and Practice. Cambridge University Press.
• United Nations. (2012). ABC: Teaching Human Rights – Practical Activities for Primary and Secondary Schools. UNESCO.
• Osler, A., & Starkey, H. (2010). Teachers and Human Rights Education. Trentham Books.

Teaching Aids

• Multimedia projector for case studies and UN/UNESCO videos.
• Access to UN human rights documents (CEDAW, CRC, UDHR).
• Case study handouts on Somalia and East Africa.