Implementation of Human Rights Education in School Curriculum: A Critical Analysis and Pathways for Future Research

This study evaluates the Human Rights Education (HRE) within the educational framework, particularly focusing on the School Curriculum of CBSE Schools. Human Rights Education, which emphasizes the human dignity, equality, and justice, plays a fundamental role in fostering these values. It falls under the Descriptive and Evaluative study and confined to the evaluation of the curriculum of CBSE Schools of 6th grade based on the NCFSE-2023 in the subject of social studies only. By analysing the percentage distribution of various rights within the curriculum, the study highlights significant disparities in emphasis, with rights such as the Right to Equality (4.09%) and Right to Freedom (2.27%) receiving greater attention, while others—including the Right to Basic Necessities, Equal Rights for Women, and the Right Against Child Labour—are either minimally addressed or entirely absent. The analysis reveals a skewed portrayal that may hinder students' comprehensive understanding of social justice, equity, and democratic values. The findings suggest that the need for a broader and more inclusive curriculum that integrates real-life case studies, historical and contemporary struggles, and intersectional perspectives. Moreover, the inclusion of women's rights, anti-discrimination themes, and labour rights is essential to fostering a generation of socially aware and empathetic citizens. The study underscores the transformative role of education in cultivating active citizenship and human rights awareness and calls for strategic curriculum revisions in the context of Human Rights Education in Indian schools.