Geneva, 17th March | During the Human Rights Council session, OIDEL welcomed the report of the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues and emphasized the importance of addressing the subtle ways in which minorities may be affected by public policies.

Referring to the United Kingdom’s introduction of VAT on non-governmental schools in 2025, OIDEL noted that the measure may have a particular impact on religious and linguistic minority families, who often choose these schools to ensure an education consistent with their cultural and religious convictions.

OIDEL’s Representative in Geneva, Josyane Zinng, stated that such policies could influence access to educational choice and raise broader questions regarding educational pluralism, equal opportunity, and the rights of parents recognized under international human rights law.

OIDEL reaffirmed its commitment to promoting educational freedom and ensuring that minority families can continue to access diverse educational options.