Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must emphasize not only the rights and obligations arising from American citizenship, but also the rights and responsibilities that arise domestically and globally from our common humanity. Social studies education is best suited for this task, as it equips students with the knowledge, values and attitudes, skills, and dispositions to be engaged, reflective citizens and responsible, aware members of the world community. The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) affirms that Human Rights Education, in both its civil and its humanitarian aspects, is a necessary element of social studies programs and should be integrated throughout the educational experience of all learners, from early childhood through advanced education and lifelong learning. This position statement is intended for a broad audience of the general public, preK-12 school communities, social studies supervisors and directors, higher education, and all educators, formal and informal, throughout society. NCSS members and all educators are encouraged to use this position statement in developing and advocating for human rights education practices and programs so that all students learn to understand and value fundamental principles of human rights and to apply those principles in daily life. [This article is a position statement of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).]