Throughout history, the advance of civilization has been closely tied to the idea that all people have rights: universal, inalienable entitlements to freedom, dignity and security, to be treated fairly and to live free from oppression. The health and soul of all societies depend on how these human rights are recognized--and acted upon. Until the…

Discusses highlights of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child that a student outlines in a letter to Senator William Bradley of New Jersey. Includes children's needs and problems. Describes the health care situation in the United States and its effect on children from poor families. Argues that the convention contains many advantages and…

Describes efforts toward human rights education in Europe and how these efforts might be utilized in teaching about children's rights. Offers examples of work to help children acquire a sense of their community and its structures. Includes student drafted charters and declarations, children's councils, cooperative education, and community service.…

Discusses projects used by some teachers, texts, and other instructional materials for teaching the responsibility and participatory aspects of citizenship. Suggests that texts currently in use neglect teaching the protection of rights. Argues that corporations do more educating than schools through their commercials. Questions how some teachers…