Abstract:

INTRODUCTION TO THE HANDBOOK

This introductory chapter consists of six parts. The first part presents general background information on the socio-political dynamics in Ethiopia. It aims to introduce the reader to some past and current trends pertaining to social and political interactions and human rights among the various Ethiopian ethnic groups.  This is believed to be crucial for practical understanding of the need to consolidate the participation of each citizen in the process of peace-building, democratization and protection of human rights in the country. The second part is an overview of current situations of peace and human rights education focussing on the Ethiopian context. Beginning with a brief introductory remark on what human rights education means and what end it serves, it outlines the major challenges and gaps prevailing in human rights education practices in Ethiopia, which prompted the preparation of this book.  The third part outlines the major objectives of the book, followed by a brief description of methods adopted in collecting and analysing data for the present study. The last part describes the organisation of the book, including the highlights of contents the each chapter suggestions on how to use the handbook, along with a brief description of the major method employed in writing the book, and specific approaches and techniques used.