JIGSAW OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Description of the tool

Step by step description:
preparation:
1. Paint one side of the cardboard (or wood) in a different colour than the other
2. Make a drawing or painting of a person or a group of persons on this side. Draw jigsaw pieces (5*6) over the painting and cut up the painting
3. Turn all pieces around and write one article (simplified if necessary) of the universal declaration of the human rights on each piece.
the exercise:
4. When the participants enter the room, give each of them a piece of the puzzle. Some might receive two or more, depending on the group size. Explain that all of them have received one (or more) human right, but that you need all of them to be a 'complete' person.
5. Ask the participants one by one to read out what's on their piece, and explain (or ask someone to explain).
6. When all pieces are read, invite the participants to make a whole person out of these articles by turning the pieces around and putting all pieces together to complete the jigsaw.
7. When the jigsaw is finished, discuss why human rights are important, and what they mean in practice

Reflection and evaluation:
-did you understand the 'human right' on your piece?
-what do you think it means to you in practice?
-do you think human rights are important? why (not)?
-have you ever had the feeling your rights were being violated? - if one right is violated or is inaccessible for an individual what would be the effect on the individuals other rights?- over the long-term, what would be the consequences of living without one or some of your human rights being met?- what is the relationship between our human rights and our human dignity?

Comments:
When using this exercise to start a training course, you might also give each of the participants one piece at the end of the day, so that, on the next day of the course, everyone can start putting the jigsaw together again. People will that way remember what they were working on, and additionally, you can see if everyone is present.
At the end of the activity you could give each participant a copy of the Universal Declaration (to keep if possible) and ask them to spend a few minutes to read the preamble, or alternatively ask someone who is willing to read out the preamble to the group and the first three articles which together establish the link between human rights and human dignity.