Addressing the triple challenge of right-wing populism, nationalism and colonial amnesia in and through human rights education

Drawing on some of the book’s contributions, this chapter reflects on human rights education (HRE) in the Nordic region in the context of a resurgence of populist politics and renewed fervour for nationalist policies across several countries as they cope with the aftermath of the global financial crisis and economic downturn in 2008. Recent elections across Europe have also witnessed a surge in support for parties that promote xenophobic nationalism, economic protectionism and anti-immigration rhetoric, posing significant challenges to human rights agendas. The chapter highlights the need for further work in HRE to respond to these agendas, including recognition and redress of colonial amnesia – the denial of the structural roots of contemporary racism and legacies of colonialism – which is embedded in the idea of Nordic exceptionalism. With right-wing populism and nationalist movements on the rise across European countries, the chapter calls for more critical discussion about race and racism in the curriculum including strategies for addressing the racism of students who uphold the values of white supremacy; it also highlights the need for further systemic work to connect national educational policymaking more coherently and consistently with international human rights law and established democratic principles and processes.