Reperes 2025: Training Program for Human Rights Educators with Youth

Empowering Young Human Rights Advocates: Apply Now for Strasbourg Training

the Council of Europe is inviting passionate individuals to a pivotal regional training event focused on human rights education for young people. Scheduled from October 20-24, 2025, at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, this intensive five-day program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in non-formal human rights education and champion essential rights within French-speaking communities.

This vital initiative, a collaboration between the Council of Europe’s Youth Service, the Directorate of Youth, Popular Education and Associative Life (DJEPVA) of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Associative Life, and the International Institute of Human and Peace Rights, aims to bolster the quality and sustainability of human rights education.

The training is specifically designed for those actively engaged in youth work, contributing to local, national, or international educational projects. Participants will gain invaluable insights into the pedagogical “benchmarks” – a cornerstone of human rights education through non-formal methods. Through experiential learning, attendees will hone thier facilitation skills and develop practical, locally-adapted human rights action plans or projects tailored to their professional or associative contexts.

This comprehensive approach aligns directly with the Council of Europe’s Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education and contributes to the strategic priorities of the youth sector for 2030. The insights and outcomes from this training will also inform discussions at the Human Rights Forum, set to take place in Budapest in December 2025.

Who shoudl apply? Anyone motivated to make a tangible difference in promoting human rights among young people, utilizing educational methods sensitive to local and intercultural nuances.

The application deadline is August 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CET.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your impact. Discover more and submit your application for the REPERES 2025 Regional Training Benchmarks here.

How does Repères 2025 integrate human rights principles into the overall learning process, moving beyond simply teaching *about* human rights?

Repères 2025: Training Programme for Human Rights Educators with Youth

Understanding the Repères 2025 Initiative

Repères 2025 is a comprehensive training program designed to equip human rights educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively engage youth in human rights education. This initiative,gaining prominence in 2025,addresses the critical need for fostering a generation committed to social justice,equality,and democratic values. The program focuses on innovative pedagogical approaches, practical tools, and a deep understanding of contemporary human rights challenges.It’s notably relevant in a world facing increasing polarization and threats to basic freedoms.

Core Modules of the Repères 2025 Curriculum

The Repères 2025 program isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s structured around several core modules, allowing for adaptation to different contexts and the specific needs of participants. Key areas of focus include:

International Human Rights Framework: A thorough grounding in the universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other key international treaties. This module emphasizes the legal basis of human rights and the obligations of states.

Human Rights-Based Education (HRBE): Moving beyond simply teaching about human rights to teaching through human rights.HRBE integrates human rights principles into all aspects of the learning process,fostering critical thinking and empowering learners to become agents of change.

Youth Participation & Empowerment: Strategies for actively involving young people in the design, implementation, and evaluation of human rights education programs. This includes techniques for facilitating youth-led initiatives and creating safe spaces for dialog.

Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding: Exploring the root causes of conflict and equipping educators with skills in mediation,non-violent communication,and peacebuilding. This module is crucial for addressing issues of discrimination, inequality, and social exclusion.

Digital Literacy & Human Rights: Navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. This includes addressing issues of online safety, freedom of expression, and the use of technology for human rights advocacy.

Trauma-Informed Education: Recognizing the impact of trauma on learning and creating a supportive classroom habitat. This module emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and emotional well-being.

Target Audience & Eligibility

Repères 2025 is primarily aimed at:

Teachers (primary, secondary, and vocational)

youth Workers

Non-Governmental Association (NGO) Staff involved in human rights advocacy and education

Community Leaders working with youth

University Students pursuing degrees in education, social sciences, or related fields.

Eligibility criteria typically include a demonstrated commitment to human rights, experience working with youth, and a willingness to actively participate in the training program and implement learned skills in their respective communities. Fluency in French is often required, depending on the program location.

Practical Tools & Resources Provided

Participants in Repères 2025 gain access to a wealth of practical tools and resources, including:

1. Curriculum Materials: Ready-to-use lesson plans, activities, and resources aligned with international human rights standards.
2. Online Platform: A dedicated online platform for accessing training materials, connecting with other participants, and sharing best practices.
3. mentorship Program: Opportunities to recieve mentorship from experienced human rights educators.
4. Funding opportunities: Details on potential funding sources for implementing human rights education projects.
5. Resource Library: Access to a comprehensive library of articles, reports, and other resources on human rights education.

Benefits of Participating in Repères 2025

The benefits of participating in Repères 2025 extend beyond individual professional advancement. The program contributes to:

Enhanced Teaching Skills: Educators gain the skills and confidence to effectively integrate human rights into their teaching practice.

Increased Youth Engagement: Participants learn how to create engaging and empowering learning experiences for young people.

Strengthened Civil Society: The program builds the capacity of civil society organizations to promote human rights and social justice.

promoting a culture of Respect: By fostering a deeper understanding of human rights, the program contributes to a more inclusive and respectful society.

Empowering future Leaders: Equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to become active and responsible citizens.

Case Study: Impact in Senegal (2024)

In 2024, a pilot program of Repères 2025 was implemented in Senegal, focusing on training teachers in rural communities. The program resulted in a noticeable increase in student participation in school governance and a reduction in reported incidents of bullying and discrimination. Teachers reported feeling more equipped to address sensitive topics such as gender equality and religious tolerance. This success story highlights the potential of Repères 2025 to create positive change at the grassroots level. The Senegalese Ministry of Education has as expressed interest in scaling up the program nationwide.

Staying Updated & Request Information

Information on upcoming Repères 202