GI-ESCR calls for implementation of the right to quality and inclusive education at the 47th session of the Human Rights Council | Oral statement
This 25 June 2021, Teresa Mutua, GI-ESCR’s Programme Officer on the right to education, delivered an oral statement at the interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur for the right to education Madame Boly Barry during the 47th Session of the Human Rights Council. On behalf of GI-ESCR, Teresa Mutua welcomed the report of Special Rapporteur on the cultural dimensions of the right to education stressing the relevance of the Abidjan Principles and States’ obligation to esure quality and inclusive education, respectful of cultural diversity.
GI-ESCR notably mentioned Guiding Principle 31 of the Abidjan Principles of the right to education on States’ obligation to ensure that “public education accommodates to the greatest possible extent the cultural, linguistic, and other unique traits of different groups in society”.
Our work of the last 10 years has shown that increased commodification of education, rather than fostering respect for cultural diversity, often leads to perpetuating discrimination, exclusion and segregation, a dynamic which COVID-19 has exacerbated.