About the Statement

A written statement was issued by the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), in cooperation with a consultative organization, under document number A/HRC/56/NGO/140. The statement, submitted to the Human Rights Council at its 56th session (June–July 2024), focuses on the need to strengthen the right to education for all. It highlights the role of the United Arab Emirates in advancing equitable access to quality education, particularly for marginalized populations in developing countries, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4.

Statement Content

• The statement emphasizes that the right to education is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the enjoyment of all other rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights conventions.
• It notes that promoting this right is one of the United Nations’ key goals within the Sustainable Development Agenda and the Pact for the Future, expected to be adopted at the upcoming Summit of the Future.
• It commends the efforts of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education and the follow-up to Human Rights Council Resolution 52/21.

State Responsibilities Regarding the Right to Education:

• Fulfill their international obligations regarding the right to education without discrimination.
• Develop national policies, programs, and plans to achieve this goal.
• Support UN initiatives aimed at funding quality education in developing countries and crisis-affected communities.

Highlighting the Efforts of the United Arab Emirates:

National legislation and strategies:

• Issuing Federal Decree-Law No. 39 of 2022 on Compulsory Education.
• Adopting the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030.
• Launching the Literacy Challenge in the Arab World 2030.

Global education support:

• Providing over USD 1.5 billion for education projects as of September 2020.
• Funding education initiatives in crisis zones with over USD 280 million.
• Contributing USD 100 million to the Global Partnership for Education (2018), and an additional USD 100 million during the 2021–2025 period.

Strategic initiatives:

• Launching the Literacy Challenge 2030 in cooperation with UNESCO and UNDP.
• Donating USD 25 million to the Special Olympics to support inclusive school programs for students of all abilities.
• Supporting refugees through both financial and in-kind educational assistance.
• Building schools and universities, providing scholarships, and training thousands of teachers worldwide.

Innovation in education:

• Offering an inspiring global model for leveraging modern technologies (such as digital schools) to expand education access and overcome technical and geographic barriers.

Leadership in supporting UNRWA:

• The UAE has consistently topped the list of countries supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees’ education programs.

Significance of the Statement

• The statement reaffirms that quality, accessible, and non-discriminatory education is a central tool for empowerment, development, and peace.
• It highlights the UAE as a global model of commitment to education as a universal human right that transcends national boundaries.
• It urges the international community to adopt a model centered on equity, sustainability, and global solidarity in education.