Janet Gbam, a Doctoral student and the programme manager of the Masters Programme in Multidisciplinary Human Rights at the Centre for Human Rights, recently participated in the Education and Democratic Citizenship Conference (ICEDC) and Human Rights Education Review. The conference took place from 12-13 June 2023, focusing on the theme of ‘Human Rights and Education: Past, Present, and Future’.
More than 70 researchers from various human rights institutions, including the Global Campus on Human Rights, came together for this event. The conference covered a wide range of topics, such as storytelling, decolonising human rights education, and the use of technology in human rights. Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to attend various sessions that addressed the historical context, current state, and future prospects of human rights.
One particularly impactful session was the keynote address by Prof. Audrey Osler. She emphasized the significance of centering love in migration studies and debunked common myths surrounding migration. Prof. Osler also stressed the importance of family research in understanding migration dynamics. This address left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, several sessions underscored the importance of employing relevant methodologies, particularly the human rights-based approach, as the central method of teaching human rights.
This approach was highlighted as an effective means of imparting knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of human rights issues. Overall, the conference provided valuable insights and discussions on the intersection of human rights and education. It served as a platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to advancing human rights education.
Professor of International Human Rights Law
Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 3228
Fax: +27 (0) 86 580 5743
frans.viljoen@up.ac.za
Academic Associate: Multidisciplinary Human Rights
Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 3810
Fax: +27 (0) 12 362 5125
janet.gbam@up.ac.za
