World Programme for Human Rights Education: Plan of Action, Fifth Phase

The World Programme for Human Rights Education was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2004 as an ongoing global initiative structured in consecutive phases in order to advance implementation of human rights education programmes in all sectors. Human rights education promotes a shared sense of humanity and fosters a common understanding that all human beings are equally deserving of dignity, respect and justice. It empowers children and youth to fulfil their role as global citizens, to take action and uphold their human rights and those of others, and to participate meaningfully in public affairs and democratic decision-making processes. In recognition of this, the United Nations Human Rights Council, through its resolution 57/10, launched the Fifth Phase (2025-2029) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, dedicated to children and youth, with a focus on human rights education in three thematic areas: digital technologies and human rights, gender equality, and environment and climate change. Building on United Nations documents and consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, this Fifth Phase publication outlines the scope, background, specific objectives and components of the plan of action and steps to implement it.