Intercultural Belonging and Human Rights: A Path to Global Citizenship
March 25, 2025 15:06
March 21st marks the International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights worldwide. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR), adopted by the UN in 1948, sought to prevent future violations of human dignity by establishing fundamental freedoms and equality for all. It set out essential rights—such as the right to life, free speech, freedom from torture, and access to education. Though not legally binding, the UDHR remains a vital moral and political framework.
However, human rights have evolved beyond the UDHR’s Western-centric origins. Different regions have developed their own frameworks that reflect local values and perspectives. The Arab Charter on Human Rights (1994, revised 2004) aligns rights with Arab traditions, while the African Charter (1981) balances individual and community rights. The 2007 Declaration on Indigenous Rights further expands this vision by recognizing land, culture, and self-determination as fundamental rights.
At its core, human rights safeguard dignity, freedom, and security. When these rights are denied, individuals struggle to reach their full potential, and societies become fractured. Today, rising nationalism, xenophobia, and shrinking civic spaces challenge the universality of human rights. The growing "us vs. them" mentality makes it urgent to reaffirm that human rights are for everyone, everywhere.
The Barriers to a Better Life
Disparities—economic, social, gender-based, and cultural—create significant obstacles for individuals seeking a better life. Many people face racism, bias, and limited opportunities based on their socio-cultural background, which prevents them from accessing education or securing fair employment. These inequalities breed frustration and resentment, deepening divisions within society.
The Role of Education: Coloured Glasses Workshops
Education plays a crucial role in fostering understanding, critical thinking, and open dialogue. Beyond formal education, non-formal learning environments create safe spaces where sensitive topics—such as racism, xenophobia, and discrimination—can be explored. This is where YFU’s Coloured Glasses workshops make an impact.
Coloured Glasses workshops help young people reflect on their perspectives and challenge preconceptions. The name itself symbolizes the lenses through which we see the world—shaped by our culture, experiences, and biases. By engaging in interactive activities, participants develop critical thinking skills, learn to navigate conflicts and understand their role in upholding human rights.
Intercultural education fosters respect, empathy, and solidarity. It equips individuals with the skills to actively participate in diverse societies and promotes quality education that embraces different perspectives. Since the 1960s, various countries have developed approaches to intercultural education in response to migration and growing diversity. In Coloured Glasses workshops, human rights education is central: it connects the principles of the UDHR to everyday life and encourages civic action. Through learner-centred methods, these workshops inspire both personal reflection and collective responsibility.
Global Citizenship: A Path to Protecting Human Rights
Global Citizenship Education (GCE) shares a mission with intercultural education—raising awareness of global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights violations. It urges individuals to recognize their role in shaping a more just world. By promoting universal values like tolerance, solidarity, and inclusion, GCE helps individuals understand the complexity of global issues and empowers them to take action.
A truly ethical world requires more than laws—it demands active engagement. Through initiatives like educational youth exchange programs and workshops like Coloured Glasses, we encourage individuals to step up, speak out, and contribute to positive change. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or local projects, every action counts. By fostering a sense of global belonging, education becomes a powerful tool in the protection and promotion of human rights. In fact, the Coloured Glasses manual has been published on the official European School Education Platform where it is available to all school education communities from early childhood, primary, secondary and initial vocational education.
In a world day by day more hostile to dialogue and mutual knowledge, intercultural understanding is key to building a world where human rights are not just ideals but realities. By educating and empowering individuals in YFU, we create a ripple effect that strengthens communities and bridges divides. Every step towards understanding and respect brings us closer to a truly inclusive world—one where human rights belong to all, without exception.
