Geneva (Switzerland), 16 June – 9 July 2025 | Within the framework of the United Nations, the Human Rights Council (HRC) is the main intergovernmental body responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights. The Council meets three times a year: in March, June, and October. The June session holds particular significance for OIDEL, as it is when the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education presents her reports—such was the case during this 59th session of the Council. Additionally, a new resolution on the right to education was negotiated.
Oral statement during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
As part of her mandate, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, Farida Shaheed, drafts thematic reports and conducts country visits to present her findings to both the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, with the aim of strengthening the right to education for all. On 19 June, she presented her latest reports during an interactive dialogue before the Council, focusing on the right to safety in education and her visit to the United States.
Her thematic report highlights the importance of ensuring safety in education through a comprehensive, risk-sensitive approach. It emphasizes inclusive, rights-based strategies to protect all students from various threats, including disasters, violence, and health risks. Key elements include the protection of cultural identities, recognition of home education as part of educational freedom, the empowerment of all members of the educational community, and specific attention to children’s digital safety.
The country visit report focused on her mission to the United States in May 2024, during which she assessed the state of inclusive and quality education. She consulted with relevant authorities and stakeholders to offer targeted recommendations. Among the challenges identified, the report introduced the notion of a “right to public education.” OIDEL intervened during the dialogue to underline the importance of distinguishing between the right to education and the provision of education through state-run systems.
Other events and resolutions
OIDEL also participated in informal consultations on the draft resolution on the right to education, proposed by the Portuguese delegation. This year’s resolution placed a particular focus on safety, artificial intelligence (AI), and educational freedom, in line with the latest reports of the Special Rapporteur.
▶ View intervention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCwdoAjZAMA