The Search for Global Citizenship:The Violation of Human Rights in Asia


History Educators Multimedia
| Resource Guide for Grade 10| Resource Guide for Grades 11-12 |
The Search for Global Citizenship: The Violation of Human Rights in Asia, 1931-1945 is a resource guide for Ontario teachers in Canadian and World Studies, Grade 10-12. Designed to provide support for approximately five to eight hours of instruction, this resource includes:
  • a rationale for teaching about justice and humanity
  • guidelines for teaching about controversial issues
  • a teacher backgrounder on the Asian-Pacific War
  • detailed lessons
  • teacher and student resources and handouts

Unit Goals
The overall goals for students in this teaching resource are:

·    to develop an appreciation, as Canadians, of being part of a larger human community

·    to develop a better understanding of some of the historical events of the Asia-Pacific War

·    to foster empathy and a sense of justice regarding the suffering of others

·    to gain confidence in the possibility of improving human existence through understanding the roles individuals and nations can play in international justice

·    to encourage meaningful participation in the development of a future in which such atrocities are prevented from ever happening again



 Why Teach About Justice and Humanity in War?  

People around the world hoped for a bright and peaceful future after the triumph of the Allies over the Axis powers of Germany, Japan, and Italy in World War II. These hopes were, at best, only partially realized.

Since the end of World War II, millions of people have lost their lives to war, and millions have become victims of crimes against humanity. From Korea to Vietnam, from Rwanda to the former Yugoslavia, war-related atrocities have continued, with women and children often suffering particular cruelties.

If we are to break the cycle of violence, humankind must constantly remind itself of its own capacity for evil and, more importantly, must educate itself on how to prevent crimes against humanity. Through our government, we as Canadians have committed ourselves to upholding and promoting human rights and peace. These are noble commitments, but Canadians are not immune from committing injustices abroad. The brutal kill­ing of a Somalian by Canadian troops while on peacekeeping duties in Somalia in 1993 is a stark reminder that we too must be vigilant.

This resource examines the lessons learned from World War II in Asia and related conflicts. Why a resource on this particular topic?

Traditionally, Canadian textbooks have focused on the European theatre in World War II, and the war in Asia has often been neglected.

As Canada's gateway to the Pacific, British Columbia has an increasing number of students of Asian heritage, and their family histories include the war in Asia (1931-1945).

Canadians had a small but significant role in the Asia-Pacific theatre during and after the war, and we can learn from this experience.

Many grievances related to the war have not yet been resolved, and a movement for redress has emerged.

Finally, this resource offers an opportunity to better understand the relationship between the war and the post­war evolution of international regulations regarding human rights, justice, and armed conflict.
 

This resource provides documents and information about events that took place prior to and during World War II in the Asia Pacific Area. The documents and information are intended to allow students to investigate issues related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 
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