Latest Module: Lesson Series 60 Militarization and human rights in Asia This lesson series discusses the concept of militarization, which exists in differing degrees in various countries of Asia. In particular, the lesson examines the impacts of militarization on human rights and social structures. The lesson also comprises a table comparing the different political, legal, social and moral premises of democracy and militarism. In a region where violence, instability and repression is rising, the study of two opposing systems of governance can facilitate discussion on the effective protection of human rights and rule of law.rights work.... view lesson ... Lesson Series 59 The protection of human rights defenders This lesson looks at the dire situation of human rights defenders throughout Asia, who face violence, intimidation or implication in false cases for their work. The lesson also discusses who is a human rights defender and the international norms that are meant to afford them protection. Particular experiences of how local human rights defenders were given protection are also shared in the lesson. These experiences may be applied in different countries, as well as serve as an opportunity for further discussion on human rights work.... view lesson ...

Human Rights Education "Tim was so learned that he could name a horse in nine languages. So ignorant, that he bought a cow to ride on."  --Benjamin Franklin            Human rights education in most cases is like the situation described in the above quote. Various human rights education courses have produced individuals who can use the human rights language or 'buzzwords' effectively. However, when these individuals are faced with gross human rights problems such as torture, hunger, discrimination and the like, these 'educated' persons either do not do anything to address the problem, or do things that have no real bearing on the problem. The AHRC Human Rights Correspondence School is an attempt to introduce a different way of studying human rights; to get on the horse first, before learning how to ride it; to recognize the violations of rights first, before learning which international conventions should be applied. It is with this concept in mind that the lessons have been designed. The lessons identify specific human rights issues, what can be done to address these issues and what is being done. Basil Fernando Executive Director Asian Human Rights Commission