Call for Input: Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
Written by Tshepo Tlhacoane
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the work of the sixth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 58/8.
INTRODUCTION
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) is a think tank based in Amman, Jordan. ACHRS is interested in the promotion of democratic principles and in the advancement of human rights in the Arab Region, although our most relevant priorities for this submission are:
- Right to Think, which focuses on academic freedoms in universities
- Right to Participate, which focuses on electoral rights and democratic participation
- Women’s Rights, focusing on women empowerment and advancing female leadership in society, and
- Youth Rights, focusing on including the youth in society and in decision-making positions.
ACHRS has had Consultative Status with ECOSOC since 2006, and our commitment to advancing human rights was recognized by being awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize in 2023.
ACHRS SUBMISSION
ACHRS concerns itself with this call for input due to our desire to advance democracy and the rule of law, our desire to advance human rights related to the abovementioned priorities, and due to the role that education plays in advancing human rights linked to our priorities. ACHRS therefore submits two topics for discussion at the sixth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
1) The Role Education Plays in Advancing Democracy and the Rule of Law
ACHRS submits this topic due to the positive impact that education has on democracy and the electoral process. Studies have shown that an educated citizenry is more likely to participate in the democratic process, and that the more educated a person, the more likely they are to vote.
An educated citizenry is also more likely to be aware of different systems of government; be able to analyze the economic, political, and social problems being faced in their countries; the value of democracy and the democratic principles; the equality of men and women, along with other human rights norms; and the importance of peace and the rule of law.
Civic education has the effect of increasing women’s participation in elections by disseminating positive images of women as voters, leaders, and participants in all aspects of the democratic process. This outcome aligns with our priorities on women’s rights, youth rights, and the right to participate.
2) The Role Education Plays in Promoting Peace and Security
Regrettably, this region is prone to actions of violent extremism or terrorism, and ACHRS believes that education can play a role in combating terrorism. ACHRS would like to take this opportunity to clarify that our understanding of terrorism excludes legitimate national liberation movements engaging in armed struggle against foreign occupation, apartheid, and colonial domination, in line with numerous United Nations General Assembly resolutions, including 43/106, 45/130 and 47/82. This clarification is important as the lack of internationally accepted definition of terrorism has led states to define it vaguely, leading to human rights violations.
Terrorism at its core is undemocratic and is contrary to the rule of law. ACHRS believes that education, particularly of the youth, can reduce terrorism by making them more resistant to radicalization and recruitment.
Education, we submit, develops critical thinking skills, it will teach respect for diversity, it will develop digital and media literacy which is critical in the current age of political polarization and disinformation, and it will develop behavioural and socioemotional skills that will contribute to tolerance and peaceful coexistence. These skills will not only assist them by making them resistant to recruitment and radicalization, they will hopefully be extended to their communities and family members who may consider joining terrorist organizations or committing acts of terror.
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