Compass is the Council of Europe’s practical manual for human rights education with young people. It provides a comprehensive framework for educators, youth workers and facilitators, combining background information on human rights with practical activities, participatory methods and tools for taking action. The resource covers themes including democracy, citizenship and participation, media, environment, discrimination, migration, gender, peace and violence, and children’s rights. The current version is a fully revised and updated edition.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
Compass is not an AI-literacy resource, its rights-based and participatory approach provides a strong foundation for discussing AI-related issues such as digital rights, online participation, misinformation, freedom of expression, discrimination, privacy and the impact of technology on democracy. Its methods can easily be adapted to AI-related topics.
Learning outcomes
Learners will be able to:
Understand fundamental human rights and their relationship to democratic citizenship.
Recognise the connection between rights, responsibilities and participation.
Develop critical thinking and the ability to analyse social and political issues.
Discuss controversial issues respectfully and consider different perspectives.
Identify situations in which human rights may be threatened or violated.
Develop skills for active participation in democratic and civic life.
Work collaboratively to identify problems and develop possible solutions.
Plan and carry out actions addressing human-rights or social issues.
Reflect on their own values, attitudes and role as active citizens.
Suggested activity
Use one of Compass’s participatory activities as a starting point for an AI-and-human-rights workshop. Present learners with a scenario involving AI, such as an AI system making decisions about access to education, employment or online content. Ask participants to identify which human rights could be affected, who might be responsible, and what safeguards should be introduced. Groups then discuss the scenario from different perspectives and develop a set of recommendations for ensuring that AI is used in a fair, transparent and rights-respecting way.