MOOC on Children’s Right to Education in Armed Conflict

Wars, armed conflicts, and displacement are not only attacks to spaces, places and people, but also violations of a fundamental human right recognised in numerous international, regional and national instruments. Education is a right in itself and a multiplier of other rights. Legal frameworks, measures and tools already exist that provide a variety of solutions. Alas, proper knowledge of such instruments and possible avenues for action is still limited.

This MOOC will fill this knowledge gap and will mobilise more people and resources in the defence of such a fundamental right when and where it is most needed. Thanks to the regional reach of the Global Campus of Human Rights, case studies and examples from the field will be used to illustrate situations, violations and existing good practices. Academics and experts will contribute analytical and practical inputs, while testimonies from affected children, young students and teachers/educators will contextualise impact and hopefully inspire change.

Structure

The MOOC runs over 5 weeks and is organised in 3 modules:

• Module 1 – Education as a right for children
  • Education as an enabling right and a multiplier
  • Education in situations of armed conflict
• Module 2 – Protecting the right to education of children in armed conflict
  • Facing violations during armed conflict
  • Minimising risks and maximising protection
• Module 3 – The way forward
  • Possible solutions to protect the right to education during armed conflict

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the course, participants will have gained
  • Key information about definitions, components and core content of the right to education
  • Increased awareness about the connections between the right to education and armed conflict
  • Robust knowledge on legal standards, monitoring mechanisms and promising practices related to the right to education in the framework of armed conflict
  • Clearer understanding – through reference to case studies and implementation on the ground – of the need to adopt a rights-based approach to children’s education in the context of armed conflict.
• Ultimately, the course is a pathway to:
  • Reinforce awareness and amplify dialogue on the importance of talking and acting on children’s education as a matter of rights
  • Empower participants through education on how to defend the right to education even – and above all – during armed conflict
  • Envisage a roadmap for change, including on how to develop inter-sectoral collaboration, policy plans, monitoring processes and advocacy strategies

Free Certificate of Participation

• At the end of the course, participants who have completed all discussions, polls and quizzes will receive a free certificate confirming their participation.

Methodology

• The course encompasses 5 weeks with approximately 25-30 hours of active learning. It will include video lectures, readings, peer-to-peer learning through discussions and webinars as well as knowledge checks with polls and quizzes, all aimed at developing and reinforcing personal critical reflection. Case studies will focus on examples and current debates from different regions and countries in the world.

Target Audience

• This MOOC is designed for education professionals, policy-makers, staff of humanitarian and human rights organisations, children’s rights defenders and other members of civil society who currently work, advocate and care for the promotion and protection of children’s right to education, especially in armed conflict.

For more information, visit Global Campus of Human Rights.