Article 19 launches educational guide on human rights, freedom of expression and prevention of hate speech in schools

“A school that speaks out … A Changing Society” is the title of the educational Guide for education on human rights, freedom of expression and prevention of hate speech in schools, produced by “Article 19” for the MENA region.

This guide, in Arabic, is part of the Framework Convention between the Ministry of Education and “Article 19”. It aims to promote a culture of defending human rights and freedom of expression in schools. It is also a matter of raising awareness about hate speech in schools dangers and supporting efforts to combat and protect against this scourge. The purpose is to create a healthy educational climate that respects the norms of a common life. In this perspective, the guide proposes “a school Charter for tolerance and solidarity” for students, educators and parents.

The manual, developed in a participatory way, presents a simplified description of national and international mechanisms for the protection of human rights, highlighting the close link between the education system and the culture of defense of human rights.

The guide, which offers interactive exercises, is in three parts. The first, is an introduction to human rights in the Tunisian school context and highlights the place of human rights education in international instruments, charters and mechanisms for the protection of human rights.

The second parts focuses on how to promote and protect freedom of expression at the international and national levels. The third, addresses the prevention strategies «of hate speech», highlighting its characteristics and the legal means to face it. This part of the guide also includes a presentation of the mechanisms for the prevention of hate speech, particularly in schools, stressing in particular the importance of the contribution, in this context, of programs and pedagogical approaches but also of training, school activities and partnership with civil society.