Background

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Ms. Farida Shaheed, will conduct an official country visit to Finland from 20 to 29 November 2023, at the invitation of the Government.

The visit will address good practices as well as challenges regarding the implementation of the right to quality, equitable and inclusive lifelong education for all in Finland. A specific focus will be placed on the contribution of teachers to the implementation of the right to education, together with other specific issues still to be determined, taking into consideration information received from different stakeholders.

During the visit, the Special Rapporteur will hold meetings with representatives of the Government, public institutions, international organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academics, teachers and other educational workers, as well as students.

At the end of the visit, and as per usual practice, the Special Rapporteur will host a press conference to share her preliminary findings with the broader public. Additional information on the time and the venue of the press conference will be shared in due course.

The expert will present her report on the visit to the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2024. The report will include recommendations to support the efforts of the Government and other stakeholders in realizing the right to education.

Learn more about the Special Rapporteur here.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

In preparation of the visit, the Special Rapporteur would be grateful to receive from all interested stakeholders:

• Information and suggestions on priority issues, concerns and situations that warrant the Special Rapporteur's attention, in terms of both good practices and possible challenges at all stages of life and situations.
• Information and suggestions on related places to visit, in various parts of the country, including specific educational institutions.
• Information and suggestions on government officials, public institutions, international organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academics, teachers and other educational workers to meet in the different regions.