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2012
From 29 to 30 May 2012, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, delivered a keynote speech at the forth International Policy Dialogue Forum: Teacher Challenges for EFA in New Delhi - India.
Mr. Singh shared his experience and views in the field of the right to education and the permanent challenges of responding to quality imperatives in this regard. Please find the statement here.
The Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, participated at the 3rd International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) in Shanghai/China from 13-16 May 2012, where he delivered a statement and moderated a session on normative instruments for TVET.
Following this Congress, the Special Rapporteur gave a speech at a side-meeting on 'Beyond 2015: Perspectives from the role of TVET and skills development in the international development agenda'. Please find the statement here.
On 20 March, the Special Rapporteur participated as a panelist in a side event on the theme: "Right To Education Through Apprenticeship: A New Challenge?" The event was organized on the occasion of the 19th Human Rights Council by the Apprentissage sans Frontères (ASF), Geneva. In view of the importance of the apprenticeship as part of vocational education, the Special Rapporteur shed light on the work of various United Nations human rights treaty bodies in advancing the vocational education and training.
On 10 March, the Special Rapporteur participated and gave a speech in a consultation on “Quality in Education‟, organized by the Right to Education (RTE) Forum at the India International Centre in New Delhi. On this occasion, he elaborated upon the right to quality education as a fundamental right in its various dimension, and main challenges in its realization. The RTE Forum is an informal alliance of Education Networks and Civil Society Organizations working towards progressive implementation of the right to education.
On 5 March, the Special Rapporteur participated in the Foundation Day Function of the National Commission for Protection of the Child Rights, India, and delivered the Foundation Lecture. He dwelt upon key issues in the context of the implementation of India’s Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009), and emphasized the importance of the international obligations for promoting and protecting rights of child and specially the need for doing away with marginalization exclusion so that every child without exception is enabled to enjoy the Right to Education. Commending Commission’s approach in moving away from welfare approach to rights-based perspective, he also underlined the significance of the work of the United Nations human rights treaty bodies, especially the Committee on the Rights of the child, in monitoring the implementation of the children’s right to education.
On 23 February, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education participated in the inaugural session of the International Conference on International Law, organized in New Delhi by the Indian Society of International Law. The theme of the Conference was 'Emerging Concerns in International Law'. On this occasion, he gave the inaugural address, and highlighted the emerging concerns achieving the right to education in their interface with international law. He also referred to several United Nations declarations and resolutions relating to the right to education.
2011
On 19 December, UNICEF interviewed the Special rapporteur. The UNICEF podcasting on the right to education – which highlighted the progress made in 2011 and challenges ahead in the year 2012 – was widely disseminated by many civil society organizations. The Special Rapporteur stated that there is need for more innovative and equitable education systems around the world.
On 16 December, the Special Rapporteur participated in the Colloquium on the project for Indicators on parents’ participation in education systems, and quality education, organized in Madrid by the consortium of universities and the European institutions of civil society. In his presentation, he underlined the importance of State obligations for quality education under human rights law and the role and responsibility of parents with respect to the full realization of the right to quality education and children’s learning outcomes.
On 8 December, the Special Rapporteur made opening remarks at the exhibition of 100 selected Posters on the Right to Education at the musée d'Arts Décoratif, Paris, (and taking place in over 30 countries simultaneously) organized on the occasion of the Human Rights Day by the ‘Association 4 Tomorrow’ in cooperation with UNESCO and the Council of Europe. On this occasion, he emphasized the importance of literacy and the right to basic education in the context of Education for All agenda, and education related MDGs, and of greater awareness-raising and action by civil society organizations.
On 25 October, the Special Rapporteur made opening remarks at the parallel event organized by UNESCO on the release of “Global Digest on Secondary Education: The next Challenge”, and participated in expert panel. On this occasion, he underlined the importance of the secondary education as a continuum of primary education in a perspective beyond 2015 and of UNESCO’s leading role.
24 October, Presentation to the United Nations General Assembly
On 24 October, the Special Rapporteur presented his report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. The report addresses State obligations under human rights law for providing resources for the realization of the right to education and securing sustainable investment in education. The report also provides an update on education in emergencies, pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 64/290. To read the statement press here.
03-05 October, Participation to the Social Forum of the Human Rights Council
Mr. Kishore Singh, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, participated in the Social Forum of the Human Rights Council, which focused on the Right to Development. In his presentation, Mr. Singh addressed the central relevance of the right to education in the promotion of the right to development. To read his presentation, click here. In the same occasion, Mr. Singh also participated to the side event entitled “Youth as a Resource for Sustainable Development” organized by the International Investment Centre where he underlined the obligations to invest in youth education. To read his presentation click here.
12-20 September, Mission to Kazakhstan
From 12 to 20 September, Mr. Kishore Singh visited Kazakhstan. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur met with various Government authorities, international organizations and NGOs, and visited schools and universities in Almaty and Astana. As a result of the visit, the expert will prepare a report that will be presented at the UN Human Rights Council in June 2012 providing recommendations on the enhancement of the education system. At the end of the visit Mr. Singh presented his preliminary findings through a press release and a statement emphasizing the importance of inclusive education. To read them, click here.
18 - 20 August, World Summit of Afro Descent, Ceiba, Honduras
Mr. Kishore Singh, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, participated in the first World Summit of Afro Descent, which took place in the Ceiba, Honduras, 18 to 20 August 2011. The Summit was organised in the context of the UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent and the 10th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Speaking at the panel on right to education and culture, Mr. Singh addressed the importance of the fundamental principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity in education, underlining the central role played by the right to education in the empowerment of Afro-descendants and in the achievement of MDGs. To read his presentation, click here.
06-07 July – Participation to the High Level Segment of the Annual Ministerial Review of ECOSOC
On 7 July, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Kishore Singh, participated to the High Level Segment of the Annual Ministerial Review of ECOSOC. In his intervention he underlined the central role of right to education for accelerating progress towards MDGs. On this same date, Mr. Singh attended the Ministerial Roundtable “Young People and Social Media: Shaping the Future of Education” promoted by UNICEF and UNFPA. On 6 July, the Special Rapporteur participated in the ECOSOC Ministerial Roundtable “The Gender Dimension of Education in Post-Conflict Countries in Africa and LDCs”. The roundtable was promoted by the UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UNESCO and the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. On this same day, Mr. Singh also participated in the parallel event Right to education: key to the MDGs, promoted by the Permanent Mission of Uruguay and the NGO Platform on the Right to Education. To read his presentation, click here.
28 June – Conference “Respecting Cultural Diversities in Quality Education of Socially and Differently Disadvantaged Children – the situation of Roma” - Bratislava, Slovak Republic
On 28 June, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, made the key note presentation at the conference “Respecting Cultural Diversities in Quality Education of Socially and Differently Disadvantaged Children – the situation of Roma” held in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Mr. Singh spoke about the importance of inclusive education of good quality.
27 June - Meeting “Tackling Violence in Schools” - Oslo, Norway
On 27 June, the Special Rapporteur participated to the meeting “Tackling Violence in Schools” in Oslo, Norway. The meeting was promoted by the Government of Norway, the Council of Europe and the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children. Mr. Singh spoke about the importance of respecting human rights in the daily functioning of schools to build a culture of peace.
31 May – Presentation to the Human Rights Council
On 31 May, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, presented his first reports for the Human Rights Council. His annual report was devoted to the importance of the principle of equality of opportunity in the realisation of the right to education. Mr. Singh also presented a report on his mission to Senegal. To read the statement press here. On 7 June, the Special Rapporteur participated in the side event to the Human Rights Council “Equality of opportunity in education: Special focus on children’s rights”. The event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Uruguay. On the same day the Special Rapporteur participated in a meeting with non-governmental organizations working on right to education and another one with the NGO Working Group on human rights education.
23 May - Bice International Congress on the right to education of children estranged from their families and socially excluded in Paris, France
The Special Rapporteur participated to the opening day of the BICE International Congress on the right to education of children estranged from their families and socially excluded. In his presentation, Mr. Singh addressed the importance of “inclusive” education.
13-15 April Pan African Conference on Teachers in Lome, Togo
From 13 to 15 April, the Special Rapporteur participated to the Pan African Conference on Teachers also in Lome, Togo. The conference focused on a number of topics, including the professional development of teachers. To read his presentation click here.
12 April ECOSOC Regional Preparatory Meeting, Togo
On 12 April, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Kishore Singh participated in the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review Regional Preparatory Meeting for Africa in Lome, Togo. In his presentation he indicated how a human rights approach would strengthen efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. To read his presentation click here.
24 March ECOSOC Regional Preparatory Meeting, Chonburi, Thailand
On 24 March, the Special Rapporteur made a key note presentation on the right to education and MDGs at the ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review (AMR) Regional Preparatory Meeting for Asia and the Pacific in Chomburi Thailand. To read his presentation click here.
22-24 March Tenth Meeting of the High Level Group on Education for All Jomtien, Thailand
On 22 and 24 March 2011, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, participated in Tenth Meeting of the High Level Group on Education for All in Jomtien, Thailand. During the occasion, Mr. Singh spoke about the importance of a human rights approach to reenergize the Education for All agenda. To read his presentation click here.
08-10 February - Consultation on Access to cultural heritage - Geneva, Switzerland
The Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Mr. Kishore Singh, participated in the Consultation on Access to cultural heritage as a human right organized by the Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights from 8 to 10 February in Geneva. On 10 February, the Special Rapporteur also convened a meeting with non-governmental organizations active in the field of education. On the occasion, Mr. Singh presented his plans for the mandate and collected information for the preparation of his annual report
02-03 February - Eleventh Meeting of the Working Group on Education for All – Paris, France
The Special Rapporteur participated to the Eleventh Meeting of the Working Group on Education for All. In his presentation he spoke about the EFA agenda from a human rights perspective. Click here to read his presentation.
9-15 January – Mission to Senegal
Mr. Kishore Singh completed his first visit to Senegal from 9 to 15 January 2011. In his press release distributed at the end of his visit, Mr. Singh outlines preliminary impressions, recognizing advances in education enrollment and financing but calling attention to the need to improve quality. The Rapporteur also indicated he will continue to give priority attention to Africa in his future activities.
2010
15 December - 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Convention against Discrimination in Education
The Special Rapporteur participated in the commemorations of 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Convention against Discrimination in Education.
10 December – University of Sao Paulo Human Rights Prize
The Special Rapporteur participated in the 11th USP Human Rights Prize Ceremony in São Paulo, Brazil, as a special guest, and made a statement on equality of opportunity and the right education. Click here to read his statement. On the same occasion, Mr. Singh had a dialogue with the State of Sao Paulo Education Board Click here to read his presentation to the board.
18 to 20 November – Conference of Ministers of Education of French-speaking Countries
Mr. Singh participated in the 54th Ministerial Session of the Conference of Ministers of Education of French-speaking Countries (CONFEMEN) in Dakar, in November 2010. He made a statement at the closing session, addressing the importance of quality education. Click here to read his statement.
16 November – Symposium on quality and social cohesion
Mr Kishore Singh was a special guest at the symposium entitled "Qualité et cohésion sociale: Pluralisme et participation des parties prenantes" organized by OIDEL at the European Parliament in Brussels. Among other topics the meeting discussed the importance of participation of in education processes.
10 November -Participation at UNESCO seminar “Knowledge for Education”
The Special Rapporteur made a presentation on the right to education in UNESCO as part of the seminar series entitled "Knowledge for Education". In his presentation, he described the core content of the right to education and its centrality for both all human rights as well as development aspirations.
2 and 3 November 2010 - OIDEL and UNESCO Workshop on the right to education
The Special Rapporteur participated to a workshop on the right to education, education and on human rights education at the Collège Universitaire Henry Dunant in Geneva. The activity was promoted by OIDEL and UNESCO. Mr. Singh made a presentation on State obligations at national level regarding the right to education.
25 October – Presentation to the United Nations General Assembly Third Commitee
The Special Rapporteur presented his main priorities for his work as United Nations Special Rapporteur to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. In his participation Mr. Singh also presented the last report of his predecessor. To read his statement, click here.
15 and 16 October - European Parents Association
The Special Rapporteur made a presentation at the opening session of the 25th Congress of the European Parents Association in Barcelona, Spain. In his remarks the Rapporteur discussed the core obligations of States regarding to the right to education.
1st October – Human Rights Training Course at Ecole Nationale d’Administration
The Special Rapporteur gave a lecture on the right to education during the international training programme on the protection of human rights promoted by the Ecole Nationale d’Administration in Paris, France.
21 and 22 September – MDG Review Summit and meeting on education in emergencies
During the High Level Summit on the MDGs, the Special Rapporteur participated in a High Level Round Table on "The central role of education and the MDGs". The event was promoted by UNICEF and UNESCO and attended by national and international authorities working on education. On the occasion he released a press release on the topic.
The Special Rapporteur also participated in a meeting on the follow up to the recent General Assembly resolution on education in emergencies promoted by the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.
16 September 2010 - Seminar on Innovative Financing for Education
The Special Rapporteur participated in the seminar "Innovative Financing for Education" at UNESCO headquarters. In the occasion, he made a presentation on Legal Framework for Financing Basic Education. Click here to read his intervention.
3 August 2010- Briefing to African Permanent Missions in Geneva
The Special Rapporteur paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the UN Offices at Geneva, on the occasion of the meeting of the African Group at the UN, and in a brief dialogue, expressed his intension to give priority to Africa in the course of implementation of his mandate.