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.

Human rights education makes an essential contribution to the realization of all human rights. In 2004, the General Assembly proclaimed the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing) with a view to support and encourage national action and strengthen partnerships and cooperation. The third phase (2015-2019) of the World Programme focuses on strengthening implementation of the first two phases and promoting human rights training for media professionals and journalists; adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2014, this plan of action provides practical guidance for implementing this phase nationally. It targets all stakeholders, including governments, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, higher education institutions as well as intergovernmental organizations.

The Plan of Action provides methodological guidance to develop a comprehensive human rights education strategy for young people at the national level that supports youth empowerment, participation and inclusion. It addresses governments, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations, including youth movements and networks, as well as education practitioners. Member States adopted the Plan of Action to guide implementation of the first phase (2005-2009) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing), proclaimed by the General Assembly in 2004 and structured in consecutive phases, each focusing on a specific target sector or thematic area.