Young people play rugby, which is one of the most popular activities among the locals living in the town of Ampangabe near the banks of the Ikopa River in Antananarivo, Madagascar on 27th February 2025. Community sports remains a primary way in which communities can learn civic education through play. 
Photo credit: Ruben Cem Genco/Anadolu via Getty Images

Education as a tool for human rights awareness

Education plays a fundamental role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognise and challenge human rights violations. By understanding the core principles of human rights, people become more aware of their rights and social responsibilities. Additionally, when informed, individuals are more likely to advocate for justice, engage in meaningful activism, and contribute to a society that values dignity and respect.

However, the integrity of human rights education must be protected from biased narratives and misinformation. The commemoration of International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for Dignity of Victims is upon us. This year, we explore the role of education in fostering human rights awareness, empowering individuals to recognise and challenge injustice while ensuring that historical truths are accurately preserved and responsibly shared.

Education provides individuals with the tools to recognise and challenge human rights violations. When people know their rights, they can identify instances of discrimination, oppression, and injustice. This empowerment is essential in building societies that value equality and respect for all, ensuring that marginalised groups are given a voice and that human rights are upheld in all aspects of life. One of the most significant aspects of human rights education is learning from past violations to prevent their recurrence. Events such as apartheid in South Africa, the Genocide in Rwanda, and various modern-day atrocities serve as stark reminders of the consequences of unchecked discrimination and oppression.

While education is a powerful force for good, it can also be manipulated to serve specific political or ideological agendas. Governments and institutions often control historical narratives through censorship laws and biased curricula, suppressing certain truths to maintain authority or avoid accountability. This form of control hinders human rights education by distorting history and limiting access to accurate information. To ensure that human rights education remains effective, it is essential to adopt a balanced and truthful approach. Students and the general public must be exposed to multiple perspectives, allowing them to analyse historical events and their impact on society critically. An unbiased curriculum fosters independent thinking and encourages individuals to seek the truth beyond state-controlled narratives.

In recent years, independent activists and digital educators have played a crucial role in spreading awareness about human rights. Often operating outside traditional institutions, these individuals use social media and digital platforms to educate, expose injustices, and mobilise communities. They serve as modern-day volunteers, contributing knowledge and activism without financial gain. Their work has been instrumental in bringing attention to issues often ignored by mainstream media. Online campaigns, viral videos, and digital protests have amplified the voices of those fighting for justice, making human rights education more accessible than ever before.

Despite the positive impact of digital activism, there is a growing concern about misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading without proper fact-checking. Independent activists, while well-intentioned, may lack the resources and expertise to verify their claims, leading to the potential spread of false narratives. This misinformation can undermine genuine human rights efforts and create confusion among the public.

To mitigate the risks of misinformation, it is crucial to promote media literacy and responsible activism. Individuals must learn to critically evaluate sources, verify facts, and discern credible information from falsehoods. Schools and institutions should incorporate media literacy into curricula, teaching students how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Additionally, activists and educators should collaborate with fact-checking organisations to ensure accuracy in their work.