The child shall be protected from any form of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief. They shall be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, peace and universal brotherhood, respect for freedom of religion or belief of others and in full consciousness that their energy and talents should be devoted to the service of their fellow human beings.

This sub-paragraph declares that parents and the state should view the protection of the child from any form of discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, as including a broad educational perspective on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. This follows language used in the 1969 UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education, and the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child in Article 29 that calls for the education of the child “to be directed to the development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and preparation for a responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin.”

Related Examples

UNESCO: There are a number of countries that have UNESCO affiliations with secondary schools. They incorporate curricula promoting the broad goals of this sub-paragraph. Go to the UNESCO website and look up countries that have such affiliations.

Learning Experiences

Refer to your Community Resources list for education contacts. Compare community curricula against the UNESCO affiliated programs.

TOPIC NOTES

Term 5.1.3: Child’s Right to Protection

The child shall be protected from any form of discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. They shall be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, peace and universal brotherhood, respect for freedom of religion or belief of others, and in full consciousness that their energies and talents should be devoted to the services of their fellow human beings.

Interview the leaders of religious and non-religious beliefs in the community. Ask them how the children that follow their beliefs are protected from all forms of discrimination on grounds of religion or belief.