Objectives of the Programme

The Joint Programme provides funding to enable at least three States party to the European Cultural Convention to cooperate on projects of common interest within the field of education for democratic citizenship and human rights education (EDC/HRE). At least one of the states should be a member of the European Union.

The basis of each project is to make information on current democratic citizenship and human rights education practices in the participating countries available to help improve them in each of the countries.

In addition, the Programme intends to:

• Encourage discussion and sharing of best practices for addressing EDC/HRE issues;
• Raise awareness and increase visibility of the role of EDC/HRE at all levels of society;
• Promote cooperation between national, regional and local authorities and civil society organisations;
• Contribute to the promotion and continued development of citizenship and human rights education in Europe.

Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education

Education plays an essential role in the promotion of the core values of the Council of Europe: democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as well as in the prevention of human rights violations.

More generally, education is increasingly seen as a defence against the rise of violence, racism, extremism, xenophobia, discrimination and intolerance.

This growing awareness is reflected in the adoption of the Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education by the Organisation's 47 member states in the framework of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)7.

The Charter is an important reference point for all those dealing with citizenship and human rights education. It will hopefully provide a focus and catalyst for action in the member states. It is also a way of disseminating good practice and raising standards throughout Europe and beyond.

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