Osler, AH and Yahya, C (2013) Challenges and complexity in human rights education: teachers’ understandings of democratic participation and gender equity in post-conflict Kurdistan-Iraq. Education Inquiry, 4 (1). 189 - 210. ISSN 2000-4508
Abstract
This paper examines tensions in implementing human rights education (HRE) in schools in Kurdistan-Iraq, both for teachers and for policy-makers, juggling nation-building and its application through schooling and child rights. We draw on documentary sources and fieldwork in two governorates, including classroom observations and interviews with education professionals. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child confirms the right to HRE, including learning to live together, stressing gender equity. In practice, rights operate in tension and may be denied in societal contexts where conservative, patriarchal values prevail. We report on teachers’ attempts to reconcile tensions while facing limited resources. HRE is often perceived as low-status and taught without adequate consideration of everyday rights denials. Nevertheless, HRE is fundamental to democratic development and social justice and can equip citizens with skills and attitudes for a cosmopolitan worldview and peaceful development. Potentially, HRE can contribute to learners’ self-empowerment and gender equity.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Authors. Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 Unported License. |
Keywords: | Human rights education; democratic participation; gender equity; education policy; post-conflict |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law (Leeds) > School of Education (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Professor Audrey OSLER |
Date Deposited: | 08 Jan 2015 14:53 |
Last Modified: | 08 Jan 2015 14:53 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Co-Action Publishing |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:81871 |