Background

In resolution 51/2 on the World Programme for Human Rights Education, adopted on 6 October 2022, the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner to “seek the views of States, relevant intergovernmental organizations, in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the United Nations Youth Office, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, national human rights institutions, national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, civil society, including non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders on the target sectors, focus areas or thematic human rights issues for the fifth phase of the World Programme, bearing in mind possible synergies with the 2030 Agenda and other relevant initiatives on human rights education and training, and to submit a report thereon to the Human Rights Council at its fifty-fourth session” (para. 10).

By way of background, it is recalled that the World Programme is an ongoing initiative structured in consecutive phases to advance the implementation of human rights education programmes in all sectors. The first phase (2005-2009) was dedicated to human rights education in primary and secondary school systems. The second phase (2010-2014) focused on human rights education for higher education and on human rights training programmes for teachers and educators, civil servants, law enforcement officials and military personnel at all levels. The third phase (2015-2019) aimed to strengthen implementation of the first two phases and promote human rights training for media professionals and journalists. The fourth phase (2020-2024) focuses on human rights education for youth.
 

Objectives

The report of the Office of the High Commissioner to be presented to the Human Rights Council at its fifty-fourth session (September 2023) will compile the views of relevant stakeholders on the possible focus for the fifth phase of the World Programme.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

In accordance with the above-mentioned Human Rights Council resolution 51/2, the Office of the High Commissioner is soliciting views on the possible focus for the fifth phase of the World Programme to begin on 1 January 2025 and in particular:

1. target sectors (e.g. a professional group, a group of rights holders, the general public, etc.);
2. focus areas or thematic human rights issues (e.g. a specific right, a group of rights or a global issue of particular importance for the protection and promotion of human rights).

The Office of the High Commissioner would also appreciate receiving information on the reasons for suggesting a specific target sector, focus area or thematic human rights issue.

How inputs will be used

As a general rule, submissions will be made available on OHCHR website. Please indicate if you do not wish OHCHR to make your submissions available on the website