Lesson List

Context

Getting Started

Learning Path 1 – Focusing on Understanding Issues, Analysis, and Addressing Problems

Learning Path 2 – Connecting the Dots between Secularism and Freedom of Religion and Belief

Learning Path 3 – Understand and Articulate

Complete List of Peer-to-Peer Activities

Module 4: Unpacking
Module 4: Exploring
Module 4: Constitution Drafting
Module 4: Translating
Module 4: Critical Thinking
Module 4: Linking
Module 4: Tweeting
Module 4: Adding Faith Quotes
Module 4: Storytelling
Module 4: Simulating
Module 4: Inspiring
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Module 4: Simulating

Peer-to-Peer Activity: Simulating

Overview

This activity consists of a simulation of an individual complaint to the Human Rights Committee. By simulating a committee session based on the actual complaint’s facts, participants recognize the complexities of religious pluralism within a secular legal framework. This simulation may be expanded into a full-day moot court exercise. 

Competencies

  • Participants apply understanding gained through simulation to controversial situations in their personal context.
  • Participants identify international human rights mechanisms.

INTRODUCTION

  • The aim of this activity is to showcase real situations in a manner that strengthens participants’ understanding of the complexities of protecting religious pluralism. 
  • The simulation is based on an individual complaint to the Human Rights Committee regarding a case of wearing religious symbols in the public sphere.
  • Prior to this session, facilitator may point participants to the comprehensive OHCHR publication “Reporting to the United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies Training Guide” Manual and Notes for Facilitators, which can provide an overview of international human rights mechanisms.
  • Questions under the Discussion Questions tab may guide participants through the simulation. 

ACTIVITY

  • This simulation may require 1-2 hours, with participants being divided into three groups to simulate the committee session. 
  • Facilitator may read this complaint in advance in order to provide an oral summary to the participants before they begin the simulation. Alternatively, the facilitator may make this document available to participants prior to the session so they can read and familiarize themselves with the main issues in the complaint.
  • Participants may spend some time at the beginning of the session summarizing the complaint before participating in the simulation. 

CONCLUSION

  • If time remains, participants may analyze their participation in the simulation to determine how they can address similar issues in their own communities. 
  • This activity can be adapted and expanded into a day-long, full-fledged moot court exercise. (See scenarios G, H, I and J .) Participants could be divided into three groups to simulate applicants, respondents, and judges.
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