UDHR in schools?

[Jargon buster]

Customer (joe swift) - 21/09/2009 09.56 PM
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and
proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to
publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated,
displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational
institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries
or territories."

Can you tell me why this is not part of Britains National Curriculum?

Regards
Joe Swift

Response (Kiranjit Gill) - 29/09/2009 02.02 PM
Dear Joe Swift,

The KS3 history programme of study, whilst not containing a specific reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, does require schools to teach their pupils about the role in the 20th century of European and international institutions in resolving conflicts. I have copied the exact reference below along with the explanatory note which accompanies it.

All pupils should be taught about:
The changing nature of conflict and cooperation between countries and peoples and its lasting impact on national, ethnic, racial, cultural or religious issues, including the nature and impact of the two world wars and the Holocaust, and the role of European and international institutions in resolving conflicts.

Explanatory note:
The changing nature of conflict and cooperation between countries and peoples and its lasting impact on national, ethnic, racial, cultural or religious issues: This includes studying the causes and consequences of various conflicts, including the two world wars, the Holocaust and other genocides. Pupils should develop an understanding of the changing nature of conflict over time and attempts to resolve conflict and develop cooperation, including through international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union. The selection of conflicts should take into account their significance in terms of scale, characteristic and unique features, and immediate and longer-term impact, including on civilians. This can be linked with the study in citizenship of the UK’s
interconnections with the world as a global community.

The teaching of human rights including the conventions and declarations became statutory in 2002 when citizenship was made a national curriculum subject for 11-16 year olds.

Please find enclosed link for key stages 3 & 4 on the National Curriculum website where you will see a reference to human rights in the statutory requirements and some explanatory notes.

Key stages 3 & 4: http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stage ... index.aspx

Kind regards,
Kiran

Thank you for your promt reply.
However my question has not been answered.
Why is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights not on the National Curriculum.
There may well be refrences to two world wars and the holocaust (which has confilcting theories I may add)
Why doesnt the curriculum mention the various attrocities that the British have inflected throughout its sordid and bloody history.

The UDHR may just highlight to the children of today just how much their freedoms are being eroded and taken away.

Regards Joe Swift

Regards JB

[kazz67]

Good work JB!! Action (more than I've done on the issue) rather than rhetoric ( guilty ) is what's missing from so much that we discuss on these forums.
Thanks for this.
Please keep us posted about any future replies you get.

Peace, love, unity.
Kazz. xxx

P.S. Welcome back!

[slimline66]

Yes, good on ya JB, it only takes one to motivate another ...

Thanks.

info@qcda.gov.uk

Hi,

I have recently "discovered" the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and am absolutely shocked and appalled that I had to discover it by accident.

I am 43 years of age and not once was that document ever mentioned at the schools that I attended. I have asked my two children (aged 9 and 15) and neither of them knew that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a written document affirming their "inalienable rights and freedoms".

These fundamental rights and freedoms are also you, the reader and your families rights and freedoms too!

Our government, along with all other member states, as part of their promise pledged to actively promote in places of learning and education, the principles of the UDHR:
"This Universal Declaration Of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."

How can we stand idly by when we know that those individuals in our government have failed to fulfil their promise to us and more importantly, our children?

I ask you now, to please do all that you can to ensure that this document and all that it represents, is given the full importance, ie. the same as given to Maths and English, that it deserves and include it in the National Curriculum.

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. – Eleanor Roosevelt"

For more information:
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanr ... /index.asp
http://www.columbia.edu/ccnmtl/projects ... index.html


Thank you,

[Jargon buster]

Had another reply giving me a name and phone number to contact them if I want any more information.

I have asked for an e-mail address as I cant use a phone due to me being deaf.

Regards JB

[slimline66]

Recently you requested personal assistance from our support center.
Below is a summary of your enquiry and our response.

If this issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may reopen it
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Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights


Discussion thread
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Response (Kiranjit Gill) - 05/10/2009 09.56 AM
Dear Mr slimline66

Thank you for your message about the teaching of human rights.

Human rights has been a statutory part of the National Curriculum for a number of years, when it was introduced as a key requirement of the subject of citizenship. Citizenship became a compulsory national curriculum foundation subject for all 11-16 year olds in maintained schools in England, in 2002.

The citizenship curriculum aims to develop an understanding of a number of key concepts, including: democracy and justice; rights and responsibilities; identities and diversity. The current national curriculum requirements state that the study of citizenship must include political, legal and human rights, and responsibilities of citizens, and the roles of the law and the justice system and how they relate to young people. You can view the citizenship national curriculum online for 11-14 year olds at http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stage ... index.aspx and for 14-16 year olds at http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stage ... index.aspx .Further information
about citizenship is also available at http://www.qcda.gov.uk/4791.aspx

Schools are expected to ensure that children develop an understanding of rights and responsibilities, including human rights in different local, national, European and global contexts. Pupils should be taught about the values and principles of human rights and explore the extent to which the declarations and conventions on human rights have been enshrined in UK law. At age 14, they should also be taught about the roles of the United Nations and European Union in securing human rights and learn how International Humanitarian Law provides protection for victims of armed conflict, including children caught up in fighting. Good citizenship teachers use contemporary examples of human rights issues to develop pupil's understanding of human rights today. They also make links with history
teaching to develop an understanding of the historical context for the development of human rights in international and UK law.

If a school is not providing teaching in their curriculum that addresses human rights, then they need to make changes to ensure their provision for citizenship complies with the statutory national curriculum teaching requirements. Schools are inspected on their curriculum provision by Ofsted.

If you have any further questions regarding human rights or citizenship in the national curriculum, please do get in touch again.

Kind regards
Liz Craft

Curriculum group

Email: liz.craft@qcda.org.uk

Tel: 07703750251

[Jargon buster]

Thanks for this slim
this is the person (Liz Craft)who I was advised to phone

I can mail her direct now

Regards JB

[Jargon buster]

Had my response slim

Dear Joe

Thank you for your message regarding human rights.

Human rights, has been a statutory part of the National Curriculum for a number of years, when it was introduced as a key requirement of the subject of citizenship. Citizenship became a compulsory national curriculum foundation subject for all 11-16 year olds in maintained schools in England, in 2002.

The citizenship curriculum aims to develop an understanding of a number of key concepts, including: democracy and justice; rights and responsibilities; identities and diversity. The current national curriculum requirements state that the study of citizenship must include political, legal and human rights, and responsibilities of citizens, and the roles of the law and the justice system and how they relate to young people. You can view the citizenship national curriculum online for 11-14 year olds at http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stage ... index.aspx and for 14-16 year olds at http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stage ... index.aspx .Further information
about citizenship is also available at http://www.qcda.gov.uk/4791.aspx

Schools are expected to ensure that children develop an understanding of rights and responsibilities, including human rights in different local, national, European and global contexts. Pupils should be taught about the values and principles of human rights and explore the extent to which the declarations and conventions on human rights have been enshrined in UK law. At age 14, they should also be taught about the roles of the United Nations and European Union in securing human rights and learn how International Humanitarian Law provides protection for victims of armed conflict, including children caught up in fighting. Good citizenship teachers use contemporary examples of human rights issues to develop pupil's understanding of human rights today. They also make links with history
teaching to develop an understanding of the historical context for the development of human rights in international and UK law.

If a school is not providing teaching in their curriculum that addresses human rights, then they need to make changes to ensure their provision for citizenship complies with the statutory national curriculum teaching requirements. Schools are inspected on their curriculum provision by Ofsted.

If you have any further questions regarding human rights or citizenship in the national curriculum, please do get in touch again.

Liz Craft
Curriculum Group
Tel: 0207-5065296
Mob: 07703750251

Virtually identical letter to yours

I will respond in kind

Regards JB

[slimline66]

Had my response slim

... and now, they have mine.

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your reply to my request regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From your response, I see that you completely missed the point of my need to write to you. I will take the responsibility for that and put it down to my not explaining well enough.

I am NOT asking about human rights in general, nor about how a very small portion of society defines how the majority should and should not conduct themselves under the label of "citizenship".

This is the point. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the people of a nations "inalienable" right to the freedom of self determination and as such, it is the human beings that form governments and that government "represents" the "will of the people". Anything less than "the will of the people" is considered tyrannical and/or oppressive.

"It was never the people who complained of the universality of human rights, nor did the people consider human rights as a Western or Northern imposition. It was often their leaders who did so." - Kofi Annan

For example: do you Liz, agree that pensioners (who have throughout their lives, worked to help in the making of the world we live in today, remember) should live in the poverty that they do? Where's the dignity in that?

As far as I'm aware, there is only a very small minority of people that have no problem with this. Is this REALLY the "will of the people"?

Your reply, while mentioning human rights, does not address my concern for the urgency of the necessity to teach about all of our "inalienable human rights and freedoms" as set out in the UDHR (and also, what "inalienable" means!).

The document itself is the reason for my compulsion to write to you.

Yes, we have "some" of those rights "enshrined" in our legal system, albeit "conditionally". Does ANYONE have the right to put conditions on the "inalienable human rights" of another? That goes directly against the very first fundamental principle "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights ..." Surely some form of consent (vote?) would be appropriate considering the implications in the diminishing of ones rights. This is just one of a number of reasons why it is vitally important that the UDHR and its history is taught in schools.

You inform me that the earliest our children are taught anything on this subject is at 11 years old. This is rather late in the day for learning and more importantly, understanding the very first fundamental principle. By that age, children are well and truly "influenced" by their surroundings and if that influence does not include the thorough understanding that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." then it only becomes a concept learned at school and not a fact of life, thus defeating the whole point of the UDHR. Do you know what inspired the drafting of the UDHR Liz? Or, what terrible events lead to the drawing up of Article's four and five?

The UN website itself informs us that it is our "responsibility" to influence our "representative" to guarantee our fundamental rights are protected by the law. How are the adults of tomorrow supposed to do that when they don't even know what their inalienable rights and freedoms are in the first place?

"Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law," - UDHR Preamble S3

I hope you see now why it is vitally important that children learn about their most basic fundamental rights and freedoms, and why I feel the need to insist that those individuals responsible for the education system comply with my request.

I do realise that your "paid professional opinion" may differ from you private personal opinion, but I am hopeful that they both meet up on the right side of reason and common sense.

Liz, what can you do to help guarantee that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights becomes one of the fundamental subjects of the National Curriculum?

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your reply,

Keith.

P.S. Could you please explain why the QCA is operating as a "charity". This seems a little odd to me, as the QCA is a government department that I would assume, be funded by the tax payer.

[slimline66]

Bugger ...

Just had an email saying my email to Liz hasn't been delivered!

So, I've just re-sent it ... but with a bit of extra info for her ...

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your reply to my request regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From your response, I see that you completely missed the point of my need to write to you. I will take the responsibility for that and put it down to my not explaining well enough.

I am NOT asking about human rights in general, nor about how a very small portion of society defines how the majority should and should not conduct themselves under the label of "citizenship".

This is the point. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the people of a nations "inalienable" right to the freedom of self determination and as such, it is the human beings that form governments and that government "represents" the "will of the people". Anything less than "the will of the people" is considered tyrannical and/or oppressive.

"It was never the people who complained of the universality of human rights, nor did the people consider human rights as a Western or Northern imposition. It was often their leaders who did so." - Kofi Annan

For example: do you Liz, agree that pensioners (who have throughout their lives, worked to help in the making of the world we live in today, remember) should live in the poverty that they do? Where's the dignity in that?

As far as I'm aware, there is only a very small minority of people that have no problem with this. Is this REALLY the "will of the people"? Is this really YOUR will, because it's not mine or anyone else's that I know.

Your reply, while mentioning human rights, does not address my concern for the urgency of the necessity to teach about all of our "inalienable human rights and freedoms" as set out in the UDHR (and also, what "inalienable" means!).

The document itself is the reason for my compulsion to write to you.

Yes, we have "some" of those rights "enshrined" in our legal system, albeit "conditionally". Does ANYONE have the right to put conditions on the "inalienable human rights" of another? That goes directly against the very first fundamental principle "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights ..." Surely some form of consent (vote?) would be appropriate considering the implications in the diminishing of ones rights. This is just one of a number of reasons why it is vitally important that the UDHR and its history is taught in schools.

You inform me that the earliest our children are taught anything on this subject is at 11 years old. This is rather late in the day for learning and more importantly, understanding the very first fundamental principle. By that age, children are well and truly "influenced" by their surroundings and if that influence does not include the thorough understanding that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." then it only becomes a concept learned at school and not a fact of life, thus defeating the whole point of the UDHR. Do you know what inspired the drafting of the UDHR Liz? Or, what terrible events lead to the drawing up of Article's four and five?

The UN website itself informs us that it is our "responsibility" to influence our "representative" to guarantee our fundamental rights are protected by the law. How are the adults of tomorrow supposed to do that when they don't even know what their inalienable rights and freedoms are in the first place?

"Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law," - UDHR Preamble S3

Here is a little more on "inalienable":

Inalienable Human Rights and Freedoms?

Lets take a look at what “INALIENABLE” means:

in·al·ien·a·ble [in-eyl-yuh-nuh-buhl, -ey-lee-uh-]
–adjective
not alienable; not transferable to another or capable of being repudiated: inalienable rights.

Related forms:
in·al·ien·a·bil·i·ty, in·al·ien·a·ble·ness, noun
in·al·ien·a·bly, adverb

Synonyms:
inviolable, absolute, unassailable, inherent.
Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·alien·able
Pronunciation: in-'Al-y&-n&-b&l, -'A-lE-&-
Function: adjective
: incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred <inalienable rights> —in·alien·abil·i·ty /-"Al-y&-n&-'bi-l&-tE, -"A-lE-&-/ noun —in·alien·ably adverb

So in essence, inalienable means:

THAT WHICH CANNOT BE GIVEN OR TAKEN; IT JUST IS

Remember, these are YOUR “inalienable” rights and freedoms that HAVE been recognised AND affirmed (… and so there’s NO GOING BACK!!! … because, when they affirmed and signed the pledge, they put ALL HUMANS on an EQUAL FOOTING at that VERY MOMENT, … THEMSELVES INCLUDED!) …

Foundations – Concepts
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, – UDHR – Preamble S1

… that our representative have pledged themselves to recognise:

Universalization – Internationalization
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, – UDHR – Preamble S6

… and protect, by the rule of Law … otherwise … there could be an unwanted naturally expected outcome!:

Rebellion – Rule of Law
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, – UDHR – Preamble S3

… and YOU (and EVERYONE reading this!) should already be aware of that fact:

Universal Values – Cultural Relativism
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge, – UDHR – Preamble S7
Promotion – Education, Civil Society
Now, therefore, The General Assembly proclaims:
This Universal Declaration Of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction. – UDHR – Preamble S8

but are more than likely not!
Until now?

These are our INDIVIDUAL (important!) “inalienable” rights and freedoms that CANNOT be interfered with (without our consent!) because they’re …
INALIENABLE
(That Which Cannot Be Given Or Taken; It Just Is)


I hope Liz, you see now why it is vitally important that children learn about their most basic fundamental rights and freedoms, and why I feel the need to insist that those individuals responsible for the education system comply with my request.

I do realise that your "paid professional opinion" may differ from you private personal opinion, but I am hopeful that they both meet up on the right side of reason and common sense.

Liz, what can you do to help guarantee that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights becomes one of the fundamental subjects of the National Curriculum?

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your reply,

Keith.

P.S. Could you please explain why the QCA is operating as a "charity". This seems a little odd to me, as the QCA is a government department that I would assume, be funded by the tax payer as opposed to "donations". -Thanks.

The extra info was essentially this: http://thesecretpeople.wordpress.com/20 ... t-just-is/

[simplesimon]

The UN has been indoctrinating our children with their globalist poison for decades, and you guys say "more please".

Tragic.