b. Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004)
The 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action concluded that human rights education, training and public
information are essential for the promotion and achievement of stable and harmonious relations among com- munities
and for fostering mutual understanding, tolerance and peace. The Conference recommended that States should strive
to eradicate illiteracy and direct education towards the full development of the human personality and the
strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It called on all States and institutions to
include human rights, humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law as subjects in the curricula of all learning
insti- tutions in formal and non-formal settings.
Pursuant to a suggestion of the World Conference, the UNGA proclaimed the 10-year period beginning on 1 January
1995 the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, and welcomed the Plan of Action for the Dec- ade as set
out in the report of the Secretary-General. The High Commis- sioner for Human Rights was called upon to coordinate
the implementation of the Plan.
Plan of Action
The Plan of Action has five objectives:
1. Assessment of needs and formulation of effective strategies for the fur- therance of human rights
education;
2. Building and strengthening of programmes and capacities for human rights education at the international,
regional, national and local levels;
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