Brasília, November 22, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - During a teleconference on Education and Human Rights, State secretary of Human Rights, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, argued for Brazilian students to participate as observers of their world, in order for them to have, from early on, a critical vision of the situation in which they live and of their country. He affirmed that this makes it easier for youths to acquire awareness of their rights.

"Young people are agents of change and intercession in the environment in which they live. And, in the year that marks the 54th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is important to recognize the school as an excellent place that unites and exposes to the world all the rights of children and adolescents, including social rights and rights to shelter, health, and education. (DAS)