Education, perception and the future of European human rights

This chapter explores the evolving relationship between public perception, education, and the future of human rights in Europe. In doing so, it focuses on the United Kingdom (UK), a country with complex and checkered history on human rights. Contrary to widespread belief, survey data indicates that public support for human rights remains robust, in the UK and beyond, despite political rhetoric suggesting otherwise. However, a lack of knowledge and awareness among the general public presents challenges to fostering more vocal and effective advocacy for human rights frameworks, such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998.

This chapter argues that education is a critical factor in building positive perceptions of human rights. By increasing public awareness and knowledge, citizens are more likely to support and engage with human rights protections. The study examines the historical and current frameworks of human rights in the UK, the disconnect between political claims and public sentiment, and the impact of media coverage on shaping attitudes.

The chapter concludes by recommending that Council of Europe member states, including the UK, must prioritise high-quality human rights education to ensure that future generations understand and uphold these protections. Additionally, it calls for more extensive research into the methods of effective human rights education and stresses the importance of countering negative perceptions driven by political and media narratives. Ensuring robust public support for human rights by 2040 will require coordinated efforts from governments, educational institutions, and civil society.