Promotion of Human Rights Education in Maharashtra and Role of University of Pune

1. R.K. Shevgaonkar Vice Chancellor T.S.N. Sastry and W.N. Gade University of Pune Promotion of Human Rights Education in Maharashtra and Role of University of Pune

2. Introduction • Education should encompass Values such as, peace, non-discrimination, equality, justice, non-violence, tolerance and respect for human dignity. • This can be achieved through imparting Human Rights Education which is an integral part of right to education and gaining recognition as a human right by itself. • Education based on HRE helps in achieving comprehensive growth of a society. 2 University of Pune 12/08/2010

3. Definition and Concept of HRE • According to the UN Decade (1995-2004) document for Human Rights Education, HRE means • "a life-long process by which people at all levels of development and in all strata of society learn respect for the dignity of others and the means and methods of ensuring that respect in all societies.” • Human Rights Education Includes • teaching of Human Rights, • Humanitarian Law, • Principles of Democracy, • Rule of Law, Peace, and Social Justice, • Achievement of an all round socio-economic, political and cultural sustainability. 3 University of Pune 12/08/2010

4. Objectives of HRE • To promote respect for human rights • To develop the knowledge, skills and values of human rights • To develop human personality • To help people and policy makers in evolving the ways and means to overcome problems of polity. • To foster understanding, • tolerance, • gender equality • friendship among all nations, racial, national, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups. 4 University of Pune 12/08/2010

5. Models of HRE • Values and Awareness Model: • Focus is on to transmit basic knowledge of HR and to foster their integration into public values through school curricula • Accountability Model: • HRE focuses on the ways in which professional responsibilities are inculcated by directly monitoring human rights violations and advocating the authorities to protect the rights of the people. • Transformational model: • HRE programme is designed towards empowering the individuals to recognize human rights abuses and their prevention. 5 University of Pune 12/08/2010

6. HRE at the National Level • Considering the objectives of the National Education Policy, the National Human Rights Commission, the Indian Institute of Peace, disarmament and Environmental Protection, UGC and a number of NGO’s launched the initiatives for the promotion of Human Right Education. • However, the HRE has not gathered momentum to the extent that was required in its advocacy. 6 University of Pune 12/08/2010

7. HRE in Maharashtra • The State of Maharashtra being the socially aware state, introduced the dissemination of Universal Declaration of HR at the School level from 9th standard. • However, for further promotion of HRE all the three models discussed above may be compiled into an adaptable version of “Learning Pyramid” for an affective dissemination of HRE at all levels. • Human rights need to be included in all subjects and its dissemination be developed in a gradual manner. • Workshops, training Programmes need to be conducted involving NGO’s and Philanthropists to train the teachers and advocators of HRE . • At the Civic Level mass based training through workshops, seminars, media, regular bulletins, be introduced in the local language to promote the human rights culture. 7 University of Pune 12/08/2010

8. Implementation of HRE Primary School Level: An action Plan need to be drawn to introduce HRE on the Models developed by UNESCO to impart the Philosophy of Human Rights through Cartoons, Maps, Technological devices, Role-Plays etc. Secondary School Level: • Competitions, Brainstorming Sessions, Role-Plays with social Relevant subjects need to be introduced. • Apart from the above, the basic principles of the constitution be taught gradually. 8 University of Pune 12/08/2010

9. Contd. Under Graduate Level • At this stage various texts of Human Rights, Analyzing the Problems and issues based on legislative, executive and judicial discussions need to be taught. Post Graduate Level • Comparative perspective of Texts of Human Rights, Promotion of HR Research, Monitoring programmes of the Schools, Colleges, Government and Society be given consideration. 9 University of Pune 12/08/2010

10. HRE IN UNIVERSITY OF PUNE Present Status • University of Pune has taken steps to include the components of HR in Social Sciences by teaching few chapters at the Undergraduate Level. • At Post Graduate Level Some of the departments like Sanskrit, Sociology, political science and public administration have papers on Human Rights. • The Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Women’s Studies Centre offers a Post Graduate course, Diploma and Research Programmes on Women’s rights. • Faculty of Law, at the Undergraduate Level, has papers and specialized study on Human rights. • The Department of Law offers specialization in HR in the LL.M. Course and conducts research in HR. 10 University of Pune 12/08/2010

11. Future Plans • The University will play a lead role in propagation of Human Rights Education by adopting mass contact programmes such as, • distribution of literature on HRE, • Seminars and workshops, • street plays • compulsory papers in all disciplines in the Colleges and the University Departments. • The University will prepare the necessary modules and provide expertise and resources required to propagate HRE in Marathi and English. • The University will develop close links with MSHRC in achieving its objectives. • The University will accept any responsibility entrusted by the state. 11 University of Pune 12/08/2010

12. Thank You 12 University of Pune 12/08/2010