A new practical tool to promote human rights education is now available. Human Rights Education in the School Systems of Europe, Central Asia and North America: A Compendium of Good Practice aims to support the successful teaching and learning of human rights values and competencies. It was developed by HREA under the guidance of the publishers OSCE/ODIHR, Council of Europe, OHCHR and UNESCO.

This is the first publication that has been co-sponsored by these inter-governmental agencies, reflecting the high priority placed on this field. All of the agencies have been engaged in human rights education. The Compendium presents resources developed by the agencies in their support of human rights education. What the Compendium demonstrates is the breadth of practice already in place, ranging from national education laws that reference human rights to participatory, self-evaluation practices in training teachers to carry out human rights education in their classrooms.

Designed for primary and secondary schools, teacher training institutions and other learning settings, the new tool, which collects 101 exemplary practices from Central Asia, Europe and North America, is a valuable resource for teachers and education policymakers.

It provides resource materials relevant to key elements for successful human rights education, including 1) laws, guidelines and standards; 2) learning environment; 3) teaching and learning tools; 4) professional development for educators, and 5) evaluation.

The collection demonstrates creative approaches to human rights education and aims to facilitate networking and exchange of experience among education professionals. The practices can be adapted to local conditions anywhere in the world.