About the tool and the methodology
The SDG 4.7 / Human Rights Education Monitoring Tool enables national human rights institutions and/or state parties to monitor the implementation of the human rights education element of global SDG target 4.7 and related human rights provisions.
The WPHRE’ Action Plan for implementation of human rights education in primary and secondary schools (WPHRE first phase) comprise five components:
- educational policies
- policy implementation
- the learning environment
- teaching and learning processes and tools
- school personnel education
The tool facilitates integrated human rights and SDG reporting, where the data generated can be used in reporting on progress in implementing the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE), and the legally binding international treaties that contain provisions on states’ obligation to implement human rights education, as well as against thematic SDG Indicator 4.7.3, and SDG Indicator 4.7.1 (human rights education component).
No quality education without human rights
Human rights education (HRE) is a tool for building peaceful and just societies. If future generations are to participate in the development of a universal culture of human rights, it is crucial that human rights education is embedded in both national education policies and in the curricula.
As schools are key to socialising younger generations, it is equally important to create learning environments characterised by respect and human dignity, where teachers provide students with opportunities for self-expression and participation in decision-making.
Only by integrating human rights standards and values into all aspects of schooling and education can we promote a universal culture of justice, non-violence and equality.
National human rights institutions as data providers
Many National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) already dedicate considerable efforts towards promoting human rights education in their countries. The SDG 4.7/Human Rights Education Monitoring Tool can help improve HRE data, which can serve to guide a process towards enhanced national implementation of HRE.
With their human rights responsibilities and expertise, as established by the UN Paris Principles, NHRIs are well placed to act as data providers on human rights education. This is also relevant in the context of monitoring the human rights dimensions of relevant SDG targets, such as SDG 4.7.
The indicators were developed in consultation with The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) under an initiative funded by the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the UN in Geneva.
By 2030 ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
SDG Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed at all levels in (a) national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher education and (d) student assessment.
Thematic SDG Indicator 4.7.3: Extent to which the framework on the World Programme on Human Rights Education is implemented nationally.