A recent report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicates that the number of children not attending school has increased for the seventh consecutive year, reaching 273 million children worldwide. This figure reflects a significant setback in the progress towards achieving universal education, despite 90% of children globally completing primary education.
Human Rights Watch stated that this report serves as a "shocking message," as the largest educational gaps are concentrated in early childhood and secondary education. It noted that approximately 194 million children out of school are of secondary education age, raising concerns about the future of education for these age groups.
Details of the Event
UNESCO estimates suggest that, at current rates, the world will not achieve a 95% completion rate for secondary education before 2105. Additionally, children are missing out on early childhood education opportunities, with 60% of primary school students having received only one year of pre-primary education, which is a critical stage in their cognitive development.
According to UN data, less than a quarter of preschool-aged children in the Sub-Saharan Africa region have access to education at this stage, further complicating the educational crisis in that area.
Background & Context
Human Rights Watch points out that cost remains the "main barrier" preventing many children from attending school. Although primary education is considered free globally under international law, families are often required to pay fees for pre-primary and secondary education.
For instance, in Uganda, there is no state-funded preschool education system, making the fees charged by private institutions prohibitively expensive for most families. These findings reflect how the cost of education remains a significant obstacle for millions of children and youth, despite legal provisions ensuring free primary education.
Impact & Consequences
Human Rights Watch emphasizes the urgent need for a new international treaty that guarantees free education at both pre-primary and secondary levels for all children. Currently, international law only mandates free education at the primary level, leaving a substantial gap in educational rights.
A new treaty is being discussed in the form of an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with formal discussions at the United Nations having begun last year, supported by over 60 countries. While this treaty will not enroll all children in schools "overnight," having a clear international legal text could serve as a "powerful catalyst for change."
Regional Significance
This data is particularly significant for the Arab region, where many countries face similar educational challenges. The adoption of a treaty ensuring free education could open new horizons for millions of children in the Arab world, helping to improve the quality of education and expand access opportunities.
In conclusion, countries are set to meet again in Geneva next August to resume discussions on this optional protocol. Human Rights Watch urges governments to seize this opportunity to address existing gaps in international law, which could contribute to ensuring the right to education for all.