This survey of human rights issues summarizes the many proposals made by the Bahá’í International Community concerning the human rights system, whose enforcement could assist in improving the application of human rights throughout the world, and thus in solving the complex question of terrorism.

The Bahá’í International Community reminds those who hold this view that ‘changing attitudes and values after they are formed is inevitably a difficult and gradual process’, but such radical changes are definitely possible. The results of this process of change depend on how systematically the goals of education are pursued: both self-education, which all human beings can strive for throughout their lives, and the education of our children and youth: ‘instilling in our children respect for themselves and others, recognition of the oneness of humanity, appreciation of unity in diversity, and a sense of citizenship in a world community will be the best guarantee of improved protection of human rights in the years to come’.

To yield to the pessimistic idea that the threat and the problems that fuel… terrorism can never be eradicated completely is tantamount to yielding to the equally pessimistic idea that war is unavoidable and that permanent peace is utopian. The Bahá’í International Community reminds those who hold this view that ‘changing attitudes and values after they are formed is inevitably a difficult and gradual process’, but such radical changes are definitely possible. The results of this process of change depend on how systematically the goals of education are pursued: both self-education, which all human beings can strive for throughout their lives, and the education of our children and youth: ‘instilling in our children respect for themselves and others, recognition of the oneness of humanity, appreciation of unity in diversity, and a sense of citizenship in a world community will be the best guarantee of improved protection of human rights in the years to come’.

"Subdue the citadels of men’s hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance . . . The sword of wisdom is hotter than summer heat and sharper than blades of steel . . ."
⏤ Bahá’u’lláh