Education in human rights and sustainable development as a liberating education

Abstract

Paulo Freire’s work includes concepts like emancipation, critical pedagogy, empowerment, collective construction of knowledge, social change and transformation. These ideas are clearly linked with the objectives pursued by education in human rights. Furthermore, in order to achieve a true liberating education these days we need to include an education for sustainable development. Considering the 100th anniversary of Freire’s birth, this essay intends to connect some of his main ideas with the current trends on education in human rights and sustainable development. It will also reflect on the necessity, importance and potential of integrating this education into the upbringing of every person, through every channel available. In the end, it is a fundamental tool to guarantee the dignity of people and to sustain and promote Freire’s legacy.