Compendium
Agreements, Laws and Regulations Guarenteeing All Children Equal Right to Quality Education in an Inclusive Setting

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Universal Declaration on Human Rights - 1948

Preamble

[...]

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge, Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 26

  • Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
  • Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
  • Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 29
1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
3. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

The full version of the Declarion of Humen Rights can be accessed on: www.un.org/Overview/rights.html

 

Inclusive education is a human right, it’s good education and it makes good social sense What do human rights have to do with HIV/AIDS?

 

HUMAN RIGHTS

  1. All children have the right to learn together.
  2. Children should not be devalued or discriminated against by being excluded or sent away because of their disability or learning difficulty.
  3. Disabled adults, describing themselves as special school survivors, are demanding an end to segregation.
  4. There are no legitimate reasons to separate children for their education. Children belong together - with advantages and benefits for everyone. They do not need to be protected from each other.

GOOD EDUCATION

  1. Research shows children do better, academically and socially, in inclusive settings.
  2. There is no teaching or care in a segregated school which cannot take place in an ordinary school.
  3. Given commitment and support, inclusive education is a more efficient use of educational resources.

SOCIAL SENSE

  1. Segregation teaches children to be fearful, ignorant and breeds prejudice.
  2. All children need an education that will help them develop relationships and prepare them for life in the mainstream.
  3. Only inclusion has the potential to reduce fear and to build friendship, respect and understanding.

[Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education; http://inclusion.uwe.ac.uk/csie/10rsns.htm]

 

Human rights are inextricably linked with the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities around the world. A lack of respect for human rights fuels the spread and exacerbates the impact of the disease, while at the same time HIV/AIDS undermines progress in the realisation of human rights. This link is apparent in the disproportionate incidence and spread of the disease among certain groups which, depending on the nature of the epidemic and the prevailing social, legal and economic conditions, include women and children, and particularly those living in poverty. It is also apparent in the fact that the overwhelming burden of the epidemic today is borne by developing countries, where the disease threatens to reverse vital achievements in human development. AIDS and poverty are now mutually reinforcing negative forces in many developing countries.

[OHCHR; http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/hiv/introhiv.htm]

 

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