The Council of Europe Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education (EDC/HRE) is a policy and educational framework defining democratic citizenship education and human rights education. It promotes knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that enable learners to exercise democratic rights and responsibilities, value diversity, participate actively in democratic life, and defend human rights and the rule of law.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
The Charter does not focus specifically on artificial intelligence, but it provides an excellent foundation for AI-related civic and critical-thinking education. Its emphasis on democratic participation, human rights, information, media, diversity, equality, critical judgement and responsible action can be directly connected to AI-generated information, algorithmic influence, digital rights and responsible AI use.
Learning outcomes
Learners can develop the ability to understand democratic rights and responsibilities; recognise and respect human rights; value diversity and equality; engage in dialogue; resolve disagreements non-violently; participate actively in democratic life; critically consider information and social issues; and translate knowledge and values into responsible civic action.
Suggested activity
“AI and Democracy: Who Decides?” Students examine a fictional case where an AI system recommends political/news content to young people. Groups identify potential benefits, risks, human-rights implications, possible bias and effects on democratic participation. They then create a set of “Democratic AI Principles for Young People”, linking each principle to rights, responsibilities, equality, participation and freedom of expression.