New ODIHR/UNESCO publication aimed at assisting policymakers in addressing anti-Semitism through education

PARIS, 4 June 2018 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today released a joint publication aimed at assisting policymakers in addressing anti-Semitism through education, at a launch event at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The publication, Addressing Anti-Semitism through Education – Guidelines for Policymakers, was produced within the framework of ODIHR’s project Turning Words into Action to Address Anti-Semitism. Created in consultation with experts from throughout the OSCE region, the Guidelines examine the complexities of anti-Semitic prejudices and reflect good policy and practices in education that can address the various manifestations of anti-Semitic prejudice and discrimination.

ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir stressed the vital role of education in countering anti-Semitism and all forms of intolerance.

“Educators have access to a uniquely large audience of young people and have the opportunity to help them foster mutual respect and understanding, and thereby become responsible citizens,” the ODIHR Director said. “Resilience to language and ideas that incite discrimination can only be ensured by educating young people so that they are mindful of their own and others’ prejudices and capable of critical thinking, and that they feel responsible for making the societies in which they live cohesive ones.”

Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, highlighted that the publication comes at a time when both teachers and students are struggling to recognize anti-Semitism in its contemporary and older forms, and to deal with it alongside other forms of prejudice in a way that promotes human rights for all.

“Anti-Semitism is not the problem of Jewish communities alone, nor does it require the presence of a Jewish community to proliferate. It exists in religious, social and political forms and guises, on all sides of the political spectrum. Various violent extremist ideologies and conspiracy theories that proliferate online often feed on anti-Semitism,” the UNESCO Director General said. “As with all forms of discrimination and intolerance, anti-Semitism must be countered through education, within the framework of human rights and global citizenship. This is both an immediate security imperative and a long-term educational obligation.”

The Guidelines lay out practical and technical steps that can be taken at all levels of the system to prepare the education sector for the difficult but crucial role it has to play in rejecting prejudice and discrimination in our societies. The publication builds on earlier collaboration between UNESCO, ODIHR and the Council of Europe, which resulted in the Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, published in 2013.

ODIHR’s mandate in this area is based on longstanding OSCE commitments to address all forms of intolerance and discrimination, including the 2014 OSCE Basel Ministerial Council Declaration on Enhancing Efforts to Combat Anti-Semitism, which called on participating States to promote educational programmes for combating anti-Semitism and provide young people with opportunities for human rights education, including on the subject of anti-Semitism. Furthermore, it called on ODIHR to facilitate the exchange of best practices among participating States on educational initiatives and other measures to raise awareness of anti-Semitism and overcome challenges to Holocaust education.