UN Resident Coordinator’s Statement AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS 81st SESSION JOINT COLLOQUIUM ON REALISING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL RIGHTS IN AFRICA WITH A FOCUS ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION

Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and all Commissioners present,

Ms. Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights,

Excellency, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security,

Honourable Jean Marie Nibirantije - Chairperson of the Pan African Parliament Committee on Justice and Human Rights,

Mr. Pradeep Wagle, OHCHR Chief of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section,

Gambia UN Country Team Heads of Agencies,

All partners present,

All Protocols Observed 

Esteemed Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I am pleased to commemorate with you Africa Human Rights Day, an opportune moment to convene and address the critical issue of upholding economic, social and cultural rights, particularly the right to education.

Education as a human right is enshrined in international and regional instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,  the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which affirm the right to education as a cornerstone of human dignity and development. 

This aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Despite our collective agreement of the importance of this right, its enjoyment is often impeded by a variety of challenges.

These challenges include discrimination based on race, gender inequality, disability, socio-economic status, non- access and availability and poor quality of education.

Furthermore, political and social instability disrupt educational systems, displacing children and preventing them from accessing educational opportunities. 

Esteemed ladies and gentlemen,

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, civil society and international and regional organizations. 

Investment in education is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development and the promotion of peace and security.

It is imperative that we ensure access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, particularly marginalized and disadvantaged groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

We must collectively commit to dismantling systemic barriers that impede access to education, ensuring that educational policies are not only compliant with human rights standards but actively promote social justice and equality. 

Esteemed ladies and gentlemen,

Today, as we celebrate Africa Human Rights Day, I applaud the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights for organizing this important colloquium.

I acknowledge and appreciate the Commission’s partnership with the UN, particularly the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

I reaffirm the UN’s commitment to continued collaboration in promoting human rights. 

Together, we can contribute to societies where every rights holder is empowered to realize and enjoy their human rights and contribute meaningfully to society.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this vital cause.

I wish you all a happy Africa Human Rights Day.