In support of the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that took place last week, educators from Amnesty International’s education network have shared three activities on human rights to empower young people to help challenge racism, stereotypes and prejudice, understand the individuals and communities at risk, and the consequences of discrimination.
1. Racism revealed: using poster artwork to promote discussion on racism
This resource includes a selection of 12 poster artwork created by international artists on the theme of racism. Each image uses a particular angle to illustrate different aspects of discrimination and promote discussion on issues such as racial equality, stereotypes, equal opportunities, multiculturalism and minorities. The posters, available to download, can be used as stand-alone educational aids, or with the suggested activities for use with 12 year olds that include key learning points and sets of questions to encourage critical thinking on these themes.
– From Amnesty International Slovenia
2. Catch a fire: an activist’s fight for racial equality
This movie discussion guide on the 2006 film Catch a fire looks at the role of activists during apartheid era in South Africa through the eyes of the main character Patrick Chamusso, a young apolitical man wrongly accused of carrying out a terrorist attack against the government.
Using the film as a conversation starter, the resource includes three activities for teachers to introduce discussion on the social and political changes in South Africa, and the role of personal responsibilities and social action. Activities also explore the role of music and how protest songs have been used over the years by political movements, and help students engage in a discussion about reconciliation.
– From Amnesty International USA
3. Traveller’s rights: looking at the case of a minority at risk
This resource examines how certain minorities and communities face discrimination and are at risk of human rights abuses by looking at the case of Travellers’ communities in the United Kingdom. Through role-play and debate, the three main activities ask students to examine the reasons behind Travellers nomadic lifestyle, to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding travelling people, and explore conflicts related to land rights.
– From Amnesty International UK