In 1948, following the horrors and atrocities of World War 2, the nations of the world joined together to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The declaration recognised that all people had the right to enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom from fear and want.
However, many people around the world are still denied their rights and freedoms.
In August, a free resource was announced for high school teachers who will now be able to help children explore and understand Australia’s democratic freedoms.
The Story of Our Rights and Freedoms curriculum unit was created through a unique partnership between education not-for-profit Cool Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
The 18-lesson unit for Year 7-10 will broaden students’ understanding of democracy and its function throughout history with captivating curriculum for history and civics and citizenship classes.
Australian Human Rights Commission president, Rosalind Croucher, said that while every teacher and classroom is different, schools need consistent and reliable resources that are easy to use and engaging.
“The Story of Our Rights and Freedoms is unique because it gives teachers the flexibility to choose which of the resources best suit their classrooms,” Croucher told The Educator.
Developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), The Story of Our Rights and Freedoms offers diverse content created by human rights experts.
Croucher said that by using the resource, schools, students and parents can be confident that children and young people are receiving accurate lessons on human rights and equality.
“At the Australian Human Rights Commission, our education work is underpinned by the principles of human rights – education that is about, through and for, human rights,” Croucher said.
“These resources incorporate these principles and support Australian teachers to become human rights educators, sometimes without even being aware it.”
Croucher added that the resources are also designed to teach students about the key role that rights and freedoms, and the responsibilities that sit alongside them, play in Australian democracy.
“They do this in a way that is engaging (we maybe even fun!), inclusive, participatory and, we hope, empowers students and teachers to act in ways that promote and protect their own human rights, and the rights of others,” she said.