Education

The aim of CESR’s education work is to encourage an "engaged" learning process through concrete fieldwork and advocacy efforts. Long-term improvement in living conditions depends upon affected communities playing a direct role in decisions that impact their well-being. Human rights provide a mechanism for these communities to participate in and demand social change. Education is a critical first step in this process of rights-claiming.

CESR has conducted numerous workshops with local project partners as a means of involving communities in defending their own rights. Rather than simply describing human rights law, these workshops are specifically tailored to address people’s daily concerns. CESR workshops for activists and NGOs draw on case studies from actual project work and the discussion often focuses on the value-added of economic and social rights research and advocacy.

We seek to raise public awareness through conferences, seminars, and speaking tours. CESR also engages in media and publicity activities, often working directly with journalists to dramatize the human element behind rights violations. In addition, our staff publishes articles for popular and academic journals. After years of fieldwork, CESR is beginning to translate its experience into a series of practical guides and educational materials on the use and promotion of economic and social rights.