Human Rights Education and Social Cohesion in South Asia in times of COVID-19

Abstract

Globalisations, economic, cultural and social change over the last four decades have affected the nature of the discourse in human rights education. The chapter explores human rights education research and the problematic relationship between human rights education and the state, against the background of globalisation, and economic, political, social and cultural factors. This article aims to link human rights international standards and institutions to grass-roots human rights culture and its impact on social cohesion in South Asia. It begins with an analysis of the nexus between human rights and social cohesion and draws attention to some ideas that complement both. It then analyses how international human rights standards and associated implementation machinery can be used to advance social cohesion around the world. The article critiques current social cohesion trends globally - with some references to Australia and South Asia and focuses on the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in advancing human rights culture.