Knowing our rights and how to promote and defend them is crucial holding governments accountable. The importance of human rights education stems from its ability to empower individuals and communities to become active participants in the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as to promote a culture of respect for human rights across society. 

One of the key principles of Cristosal’s human rights education is that it should be inclusive and participatory. This means everyone engages in learning and dialogue, not just about what rights are, but how to build relationships, policies, and systems that guarantee rights in our societies. Our education programs include as many people in that process as possible, from victims of human rights violations to government officials and the population in general. By including all stakeholders, human rights education helps to ensure that everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities and can play an active role in promoting and protecting human rights.  

For victims of human rights violations, human rights education can be a powerful tool for empowerment and healing. By learning about their rights and the legal mechanisms available to them, victims can take action to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. Human rights education can also provide victims with a sense of community and support, helping them to connect with others who have had similar experiences.  

At Cristosal we prioritize horizontal and dialogical learning. Internally, we use human rights education principles to continue to grow as professionals in our Leadership School. For our colleagues, counterparts, and others in the human rights movement, our Central American School for Human Rights provides ongoing training, dialogue spaces, and educational exchange on the use of the human rights tools that Cristosal uses. Internationally, we extend our programming to include human rights advocates and partners in solidarity with Central America in our Global School for Human Rights.

By raising awareness of human rights principles and values, human rights education can help to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a sense of shared responsibility for protecting human rights.