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The connection between human rights, good governance and sustainable development

Teacher's Notes

Case Study Student Activities

Overview

This case study introduces the concept of 'governance' with a specific focus on the human rights component of governance. It examines:

  • The concept of governance and how it is linked with human rights
  • The development of human rights in Australia
  • The current status of human rights in the Asia Pacific Region
  • The role played by the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
  • The role played by the Australian Government's overseas aid program
  • The challenges inherent in the building of a regional human rights policy by culturally diverse national governments

Level

Middle to upper secondary

Links with nationally developed statements and profiles

South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)

Year 12 PAS Social Studies

Domains:

  • Social Structures and Systems; Social Interaction
Area of Study:
  • Human Rights
  • Politics and Power
  • Global Issues
  • Values and Beliefs

Year 12 Economics

Domains:

  • Social Issues and Ethics
Option Topic:
  • Economic Development

National Curriculum

Studies of Society and Environment (Learning Area)
Natural and Social Systems (concept strand) - Political and legal systems (concept strand organiser)
Culture (concept strand) Cultural cohesion and diversity (concept strand organiser)
Investigation, Communication & Participation (process strand organiser)

Objectives

Students will:

  • Be able to explain the difference between 'government' and 'governance'
  • Be able to identify the major components of good governance
  • Be able to describe the status of human rights in the Asia Pacific Region
  • Analyse the links between a high standard of human rights, a strong civil society and good governance
  • Identify the strategies being used to build strong human rights institutions
  • Understand the importance of cooperation and partnerships between countries in improving human rights standards in the Asia Pacific Region
  • Define key terms in the understanding of governance and human rights
  • Understand the relationship between rights and responsibilities

Preparation

You will need to provide students with:

  • Photocopy of case study
  • Access to the Internet and a list of websites as per resource list
  • A copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or access to the website:
    http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
  • A copy of the introduction to the Universal Declaration or access to the website
    http://www.hreoc.gov.au/
    info_for_students/undhr/index.html
  • A dictionary &/or economics/politics dictionary
  • Large A3 pieces of card
  • Newspapers - preferably with an international and regional news section

Procedure

This case study on human rights and governance has been designed to offer a range of resources to be used in conjunction with studies on human rights and/or economic development. It is anticipated that some background work on human rights will have already been undertaken. However, if this is not the case there is considerable background material available on the websites listed below, in particular, the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Website.

Activities have been designed to offer students opportunities for group work and independent research, both of which are essential characteristics of Year 12 PAS Social Studies.

Resources

Websites:

 

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