This study explores the pivotal role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in education, science, information, and culture. Founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, UNESCO aims to foster peace, justice, and dignity among nations by addressing educational disparities, advancing scientific knowledge, and preserving cultural heritage. The research examines UNESCO’s activities globally and in Nigeria, highlighting its efforts to eliminate discrimination in education, enhance freedom of information, and counter harmful cultural practices.
The study's objectives include evaluating UNESCO's impact on human rights promotion, analyzing its strategies for addressing barriers to education, and exploring its initiatives for disseminating knowledge and supporting affected regions. The research covers UNESCO’s contributions on national, regional, and international scales, focusing on war-torn and disaster-affected areas in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. It also identifies challenges in data collection, access, and analysis, which are addressed to provide a comprehensive understanding of UNESCO’s achievements and ongoing efforts.
By assessing UNESCO’s standard-setting mechanisms and practical interventions, this study underscores the organization’s essential role in advancing education, promoting cultural integration, and ensuring the dissemination of information, thereby contributing to global peace and human development.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page - - - - - - i
Declaration - - - - - - - - ii
Certification - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - v
Table of Statutes - - - - - - - vi
Table of Cases - - - - - - - vii
Abbreviations - - - - - - - viii
Table of Contents - - - - - - - ix-x
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 General Introduction - - - - - - 1
1.1 Historical Background of the Research - - - - 1-2
1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Research - - - - 2-3
1.3 Scope of the Research - - - - - - 3-4
1.4 Statement of the Research Problem - - - - 4-5
1.5 Significance and Justification of the Research - - - 5-6
1.6 Literature Review - - - - - - - 6-8
1.7 Methodology of the Research - - - - - 8
1.8 Organization Layout - - - - - - - 8-9
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Nature and Scope of Human Rights - - - - 10
2.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - 10-11
2.2 Origin of Human Rights
2.3 Nature of Human Rights - - - - - - 11-14
2.4 Classification of Human Rights - - - - - 14-26
CHAPTER THREE
FORMATION, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF UNESCO - 34
3.0 Introduction to UNESCO - - - - - - 34
3.1.1 Origin and Development of UNESCO - - - - 34-40
3.1.2 Objectives and Functions of UNESCO - - - - 40-41
3.2 Structural Organization of UNESCO - - - - 41-42
3.2.1 The General Conference of UNESCO - - - - 42-43
3.3 The Executive Body of UNESCO - - - - - 43-45
3.4 The Secretariat of UNESCO - - - - - 45-46
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 UNESCO and the Protection of Human Rights - - - 47
4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - 47
4.1.1 Role of UNESCO in Human Rights Protection - - - 47-49
4.2 United Nations Charter on Human Rights - - - 49-53
4.3 UNESCO Standards Setting of Human Rights - - - 54
4.4 Specific areas of activities of UNESCO in the Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria - 55
4.4.1 Right to Education - - - - - - - 55-62
4.4.2 Right to Culture - - - - - - - 62-67
4.4.3 Right to Information- - - - - - - 67-71
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Conclusion - - - - - - - - 72
5.1 Summary of the Research Findings - - - - 72-73
5.2 Suggestions and Recommendations - - - - 73-78
Bibliography - - - - - - - - 79
