The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins parents and families in the United States of America and the rest of the world in welcoming the new school year. Back to school day is a day of joy and excitement to students and families, a day of full of hope of a better future for all of us. Education is a foundational experience that is critical to the socialization of millions and millions of students of all ages across the globe. Today we also remember that while there are millions of fortunate children who can attend school in comfort and safety, there are other millions who are suffering due to human-made disasters such as war, conflict, poverty and natural disasters. Those less-fortunate children are at a serious disadvantage and should be at the top of the world leaders’ action agenda.
AHRC wishes all the students of the world a happy and successful year of learning. As to the children who are refugees and displaced, we urge more of an effort to provide the educational opportunities they need. Not providing for the education of these children means that they will be stuck in a cycle of poverty and that they would not be able to achieve their potential. Ultimately, ignoring the children’s basic needs, of which education is a most important one, would make them unable to contribute to society as their God given talents would allow.
AHRC-USA salutes all the educators around the world who carry on the noble mission of education, sometimes under truly challenging circumstances.
“A new school year brings new hope,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive director. “Education is fundamental to the development of good citizens who grow to respect the human rights of everyone. Teachers inculcate respect for human rights in what they say and in the behavior they model in front of the impressionable students,” said Hamad.