Understanding histories of violence is essential for making sense of contemporary societies, as legacies of genocide, war, colonialism, enslavement, and other forms of mass violence continue to shape inequalities, social divisions, political tensions, and cultural attitudes. When these histories are oversimplified or excluded from education, learners miss critical opportunities to reflect on injustice, understand the roots of present-day challenges, and develop the skills needed to contribute to peace and social cohesion.
To address this gap, UNESCO has launched a free, global online course on Teaching and Learning about Histories of Violence, introduced on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The course is designed to help educators engage with these complex and sensitive topics in thoughtful, responsible, and pedagogically sound ways. It offers a strong conceptual foundation, emphasizing that violence extends beyond physical acts to include structural and cultural forms that perpetuate discrimination, exclusion, and harm long after direct violence has ended.
The course supports educators not only in understanding what to teach, but also in how to teach it effectively. It introduces practical approaches such as working with primary sources, analyzing historical narratives, and using testimonies to foreground lived experiences. Special attention is given to facilitating challenging classroom discussions, with guidance on creating respectful and supportive learning environments where students can safely explore difficult emotions, question assumptions, and engage in critical dialogue.
By integrating historical knowledge, reflective practice, and inclusive pedagogy, the course positions history education as a space for examining painful pasts with care and purpose. It aligns with UNESCO’s broader commitment to global citizenship education and education for peace and human rights, which aim to foster empathy, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility. Through this work, UNESCO seeks to ensure that learning about violent pasts contributes to a deeper understanding of the present and supports the building of more just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.
