HREA's Director of Programmes testifies before the European Parliament about need for additional measures that encourage active citizenship and social cohesion

Joint DARE-HREA Press release

Brussels, 6 April 2009 -- The current economic crisis threatens democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. That was the conclusion of a public hearing in the European Parliament last Thursday. "Historically, dire economic times have had a negative impact on social cohesion in societies often leading to increased apathy, xenophobia, racism and violence”, said Frank Elbers, Director of Programmes at HREA and long-time Board member of the Democracy and Human Rights Education in Europe (DARE) Network.

As part of his testimony, Mr. Elbers warned members of the Culture and Education Committee that measures to combat the crisis should not only be economic in nature but should also include efforts to enhance social and civic competencies of European citizens. Education for democratic citizenship and human rights can help to address ills in society like mistrust and violence. Enhancing social and civic competences through education are critical to fight the negative effects of the current economic crisis.

Europe has shown unique, regional leadership in promoting active citizenship and human rights through the European Union (EU)'s life long learning and other education and training programmes, reminded Elbers the MEPs of the Culture and Education Committee. The EU also plays active role in promoting human rights through its bilateral relations with non-EU states, and, most recently, through the establishment of the European Fundamental Rights Agency. “Now is the time for the EU to take on an even greater leadership role in education for democracy citizenship and human rights”.

Mr. Elbers spoke on behalf of DARE, the Democracy and Human Rights Education in Europe Network. The DARE Network currently consists of 44 member organisations from 28 countries in Europe, representing over 10,000 professionals. DARE is a Europe-wide network of NGOs and other organisations devoted to raise the profile of democracy and human rights education; to promote transcultural and transnational cooperation; and enhance the quality of education within these fields.

HREA has been an active member of the DARE Network since it was established in 2003.

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Recommendations from DARE to the European Union:

* increase the priority of democratic citizenship within the Life Long Learning agenda and within the Lisbon Strategy on education and training as a whole;

* include reference to gender equality, social cohesion, diversity, democracy and human rights in quality assessments of proposals submitted to EU funding programmes in education and training. This will not only ensure that gender equality, social cohesion, diversity, democracy and human rights are better integrated into education and training programmes but will also demonstrate a commitment to the fundamental values of the European Union as incorporated in the Amsterdam Treaty.

* include indicators on active citizenship in EU commissioned studies as part of a monitoring mechanism as called for in the Lisbon Strategy in order to ensure sustainability of efforts to promote active citizenship with the Union;

* actively support other regional and international efforts aimed at promoting citizenship and human rights by:
- endorsing the Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education that will be adopted by the Council of Europe later this year. This Charter provides a framework policy for European states on how to equip citizens with the knowledge, skills and attitudes for life in democratic societies.
- supporting the implementation of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, which is an ongoing effort by the UN Member States to forward active citizenship and human rights, particularly in the formal schooling system.
- endorsing the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, which is currently being developed by the Human Rights Council, and which will be a landmark for the international recognition of the importance education and training in human rights and active citizenship. 

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HREA is one of the leading organisations worldwide dedicated to education and training in and for human rights. Each year HREA trains hundreds of educators, human rights defenders and legal professionals around the world.

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