ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part focuses on human rights in relation to European policy discussions concerning religious and world view education. The Council of Europe was established as an international human rights institution directly as a result of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Council of Europe also aims to promote awareness and development of both Europe's cultural identity and its cultural diversity. Central to the Council of Europe's educational activity is human rights education, closely related to education for democratic citizenship and intercultural dialogue. The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue was considered an appropriate time to bring together representatives of European religion and belief organisations in conversation with one another and with education professionals and Council of Europe representatives. The European Wergeland Centre is an established resource centre for education professionals, researchers, civil society, policy-makers, parents and students across Europe.
