Vocabulary

Coexist is when two groups exist at the same time or in the same place.
Dignity is the quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
Diversity is the state of being diverse or varied.
Expression is the process of making known one's thoughts or feelings.
Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Identity is the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.
Pluralism is a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions. It is also a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist. 
Pluralistic Society is a society that accepts people with different ethnic origins, religious views, and political opinions. 
Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. 

Purpose - Peaceful Coexistence

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In sub-unit 2.1 children identified that freedom of expression first involves acknowledging the right of every person to an identity. In this sub-unit, children analyze ways in which a pluralistic society permits the peaceful coexistence of people with diverse identities. Children first learn what is meant by 'pluralistic society'. They then learn that when people are accepted regardless of their identity, they feel included and, therefore, dignified. When this occurs, people embrace diversity and enjoy coexisting in a society that is founded and strengthened on the principle of pluralism. 
Child Asks: How does a pluralistic society allow for the peaceful coexistence of all people?
Children's Rights Education enables the child to analyze how a pluralistic society permits the peaceful coexistence of a diversity of people.
Child Answers: When we acknowledge the diversity of people and respect their opinions, there is peace.

Classroom Learning Activities

1. More information to come

Relevant Convention Articles

Article 12
1. States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
2. For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.
Article 13
1. The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child's choice.
2. The exercise of this right may be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; or
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.
Article 14
1. States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
2. States Parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide direction to the child in the exercise of his or her right in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.
3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
Article 15
1. States Parties recognize the rights of the child to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly.
2. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of these rights other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Article 17
States Parties recognize the important function performed by the mass media and shall ensure that the child has access to information and material from a diversity of national and international sources, especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health.
To this end, States Parties shall:
(a) Encourage the mass media to disseminate information and material of social and cultural benefit to the child and in accordance with the spirit of article 29;
(b) Encourage international co-operation in the production, exchange and dissemination of such information and material from a diversity of cultural, national and international sources;
(c) Encourage the production and dissemination of children's books;
(d) Encourage the mass media to have particular regard to the linguistic needs of the child who belongs to a minority group or who is indigenous;
(e) Encourage the development of appropriate guidelines for the protection of the child from information and material injurious to his or her well-being, bearing in mind the provisions of articles 13 and 18.

Online Resources and References