UN RIGHTS EXPERT SUPPORTS MEASURE TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO LODGE COMPLAINTS OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

8 February 2005

The Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the right to education, Vernor Muñoz, issued the following statement today:

The Special Rapporteur attended the fifth World Social Forum in Porto Alegre from 26 to 31 January 2005.

The Special Rapporteur expressed his support for the adoption of an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which would allow the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to consider complaints from individuals and groups in relation to violations of the rights recognized in the Covenant, including the right to education. Mr. Muñoz reaffirmed that the right to education is justiciable and advocated for joint action by civil society and governments to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights.

The Special Rapporteur highlighted in Porto Alegre the trend to consider education as a negotiable service rather than a fundamental human right. Such a vision of education places at risk the concept of free primary education for all and would jeopardize the achievement of the Millenium Declaration goals on education. Mr. Muñoz is also particularly worried about the unequal situation concerning education among countries and regions of the world. He also emphazised the unequal access to education for girls, pregnant students and adolescent mothers.

Consequently, the Special Rapporteur intends to dedicate the report that he will submit to the Commission on Human Rights in early 2006 to the right to education of girls.

For more information on the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteur, please consult the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at
http://www.ohchr.org/english/issues/education/index.htm