OSCE/ODIHR to increase efforts to bring human rights education to vulnerable groups

VIENNA/WARSAW, 26 March 2004 - The OSCE's human rights body, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human rights (ODIHR), will increase its efforts to ensure that human rights education reaches vulnerable groups, such as Roma and Sinti, and will continue to include a gender perspective in all such education.

Those were among the conclusions of a two-day meeting held in Vienna that focused on the long-term effects of human rights education and lessons learned. Some 200 human rights experts and representatives from OSCE participating States attended the meeting.

"Human rights education is a strong instrument for conflict prevention and preventing human rights violations," said the ODIHR Director, Ambassador Christian Strohal.

"It is about more than merely knowledge of a set of rules and principles. It is about change in attitude and behaviour, about enhancing knowledge, promoting solidarity and developing critical thinking and skills. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized, and it has therefore been truly inspiring during this meeting to learn about the wealth of activities and experiences in this field."

"The last two days have illustrated how the OSCE is a part of a global effort to enhance the promotion of human rights through education and training," Ambassador Strohal added.

"This meeting has stressed the importance of a holistic approach and how important it is for the OSCE to continue to act as a bridge between governments and civil society in promoting human rights education in this regard. Human rights education can provide a valuable basis for standards for sustainable conflict resolution, and such strategies should be built integrally upon the promotion and protection of human rights."