Human Rights and Education Unit

The first project to be launched under this heading was a local initiative, combining art and history to engage primary school age children in three local schools in Colchester in human rights themes. It culminated in an art competition on a theme of human rights, with a prize-presenting ceremony and exhibition of photos at the University of Essex on Wednesday, 7 December 2011, as part of the annual Human Rights Week organised by the Human Rights Centre.

The project was concluded by Dr Aoife Daly (HRC Member / School of Law) and Dr Lisa Wade (School of Philosophy and Art History), together with student volunteers. They taught children in Year 6 in three local schools using the medium of art to encourage them to think about human rights such as the right to be heard (Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) and the right to life, survival and development (Article 2 of that same Convention). The children have responded with wonderful ideas and enthusiasm for human rights.

Art such as photos and paintings, and fun activities, are encouraging children to think about ways in which human rights have previously been violated, how change has been achieved, and how best to protect human rights in the future.

The project seeks not only to educate children about rights through art, but also to serve as a strong means to engage local children in university activities. It is intended to hold this initiative on an annual basis.

You can read more about the project in the Daily Gazette.

Winners: