Click on goal, target or instrument to expand details.
Use switch to change which column to be first.
Show first:
Targets
instruments
Goal Target Instrument Article / Description

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 4.1

By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.

Indicators
4.1.1
Proportion of children and young people: (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex
4.1.2
Completion rate (primary education, lower secondary education, upper secondary education)
 UDHR
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
26.1
Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
26.2
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
ICESCR
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
13.1
The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and shall strengthen the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They further agree that education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups, and further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
13.2 The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right:
13.2.a
Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all;
13.2 The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right:
13.2.b
Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational secondary education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular by the progressive introduction of free education;
13.2 The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right:
13.2.d
Fundamental education shall be encouraged or intensified as far as possible for those persons who have not received or completed the whole period of their primary education;
13.2 The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right:
13.2.e
The development of a system of schools at all levels shall be actively pursued, an adequate fellowship system shall be established, and the material conditions of teaching staff shall be continuously improved.
14
Each State Party to the present Covenant which, at the time of becoming a Party, has not been able to secure in its metropolitan territory or other territories under its jurisdiction compulsory primary education, free of charge, undertakes, within two years, to work out and adopt a detailed plan of action for the progressive implementation, within a reasonable number of years, to be fixed in the plan, of the principle of compulsory education free of charge for all.
CRC
Convention on the Rights of the Child
28.1 States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:
28.1.a
Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;
28.1 States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:
28.1.b
Encourage the development of different forms of secondary education, including general and vocational education, make them available and accessible to every child, and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering financial assistance in case of need;
28.1 States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:
28.1.d
Make educational and vocational information and guidance available and accessible to all children;
28.1 States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:
28.1.e
Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates.
28.2
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent with the child's human dignity and in conformity with the present Convention.
28.3
States Parties shall promote and encourage international cooperation in matters relating to education, in particular with a view to contributing to the elimination of ignorance and illiteracy throughout the world and facilitating access to scientific and technical knowledge and modern teaching methods. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.
29.1 States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
29.1.a
The development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential;
29.1 States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
29.1.b
The development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations
29.1 States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
29.1.c
The development of respect for the child's parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations different from his or her own;
29.1 States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
29.1.d
The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin;
29.1 States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
29.1.e
The development of respect for the natural environment.
29.2
No part of the present article or article 28 shall be construed so as to interfere with the liberty of individuals and bodies to establish and direct educational institutions, subject always to the observance of the principle set forth in paragraph 1 of the present article and to the requirements that the education given in such institutions shall conform to such minimum standards as may be laid down by the State.
CEDAW
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.a
The same conditions for career and vocational guidance, for access to studies and for the achievement of diplomas in educational establishments of all categories in rural as well as in urban areas; this equality shall be ensured in pre-school, general, technical, professional and higher technical education, as well as in all types of vocational training;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.b
Access to the same curricula, the same examinations, teaching staff with qualifications of the same standard and school premises and equipment of the same quality;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.c
The elimination of any stereotyped concept of the roles of men and women at all levels and in all forms of education by encouraging coeducation and other types of education which will help to achieve this aim and, in particular, by the revision of textbooks and school programmes and the adaptation of teaching methods;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.d
The same opportunities to benefit from scholarships and other study grants;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.e
The same opportunities for access to programmes of continuing education, including adult and functional literacy programmes, particulary those aimed at reducing, at the earliest possible time, any gap in education existing between men and women;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.f
The reduction of female student drop-out rates and the organization of programmes for girls and women who have left school prematurely;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.g
The same Opportunities to participate actively in sports and physical education;
10 States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in order to ensure to them equal rights with men in the field of education and in particular to ensure, on a basis of equality of men and women:
10.h
Access to specific educational information to help to ensure the health and well-being of families, including information and advice on family planning.
CRPD
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
24.1 States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and life long learning directed to:
24.1.a
The full development of human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth, and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human diversity;
24.1 States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and life long learning directed to:
24.1.b
The development by persons with disabilities of their personality, talents and creativity, as well as their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential;
24.1 States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and life long learning directed to:
24.1.c
Enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society.
24.2 In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
24.2.a
Persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability, and that children with disabilities are not excluded from free and compulsory primary education, or from secondary education, on the basis of disability;
24.2 In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
24.2.b
Persons with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary education and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live;
24.2 In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
24.2.c
Reasonable accommodation of the individual's requirements is provided;
24.2 In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
24.2.d
Persons with disabilities receive the support required, within the general education system, to facilitate their effective education;
24.2 In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:
24.2.e
Effective individualized support measures are provided in environments that maximize academic and social development, consistent with the goal of full inclusion.
ICRMW
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
30
Each child of a migrant worker shall have the basic right of access to education on the basis of equality of treatment with nationals of the State concerned. Access to public pre-school educational institutions or schools shall not be refused or limited by reason of the irregular situation with respect to stay or employment of either parent or by reason of the irregularity of the child's stay in the State of employment.
UNDRIP
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
14.1
Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.
14.2
Indigenous individuals, particularly children, have the right to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination.
14.3
States shall, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, take effective measures, in order for indigenous individuals, particularly children, including those living outside their communities, to have access, when possible, to an education in their own culture and provided in their own language.
15.1
Indigenous peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.
ECHR Protocol
Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
2
No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.
European Social Charter
European Social Charter (Revised)
Part II
The Parties undertake, as provided for in Part III, to consider themselves bound by the obligations laid down in the following articles and paragraphs.
Part#II.7
With a view to ensuring the effective exercise of the right of children and young persons to protection, the Parties undertake:
Part#II.7.3
to provide that persons who are still subject to compulsory education shall not be employed in such work as would deprive them of the full benefit of their education;
European Framework Convention on Minorities
Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
6.1
The Parties shall encourage a spirit of tolerance and intercultural dialogue and take effective measures to promote mutual respect and understanding and co-operation among all persons living on their territory, irrespective of those persons' ethnic, cultural, linguistic or religious identity, in particular in the fields of education, culture and the media.
12.1
The Parties shall, where appropriate, take measures in the fields of education and research to foster knowledge of the culture, history, language and religion of their national minorities and of the majority.
12.2
In this context the Parties shall inter alia provide adequate opportunities for teacher training and access to textbooks, and facilitate contacts among students and teachers of different communities.
12.3
The Parties undertake to promote equal opportunities for access to education at all levels for persons belonging to national minorities.
13.1
Within the framework of their education systems, the Parties shall recognise that persons belonging to a national minority have the right to set up and to manage their own private educational and training establishments.
13.2
The exercise of this right shall not entail any financial obligation for the Parties.
14.1
The Parties undertake to recognise that every person belonging to a national minority has the right to learn his or her minority language.
14.2
In areas inhabited by persons belonging to national minorities traditionally or in substantial numbers, if there is sufficient demand, the Parties shall endeavour to ensure, as far as possible and within the framework of their education systems, that persons belonging to those minorities have adequate opportunities for being taught the minority language or for receiving instruction in this language.
14.3
Paragraph 2 of this article shall be implemented without prejudice to the learning of the official language or the teaching in this language.
ADRDM
American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man
XII
Every person has the right to an education, which should be based on the principles of liberty, morality and human solidarity. Likewise every person has the right to an education that will prepare him to attain a decent life, to raise his standard of living, and to be a useful member of society. The right to an education includes the right to equality of opportunity in every case, in accordance with natural talents, merit and the desire to utilize the resources that the state or the community is in a position to provide. Every person has the right to receive, free, at least a primary education.
ACHR
American Convention on Human Rights
26
The States Parties undertake to adopt measures, both internally and through international cooperation, especially those of an economic and technical nature, with a view to achieving progressively, by legislation or other appropriate means, the full realization of the rights implicit in the economic, social, educational, scientific, and cultural standards set forth in the Charter of the Organization of American States as amended by the Protocol of Buenos Aires.
Protocol of San Salvador
Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural rights (Protocol of San Salvador)
13.1
Everyone has the right to education.
13.2
The States Parties to this Protocol agree that education should be directed towards the full development of the human personality and human dignity and should strengthen respect for human rights, ideological pluralism, fundamental freedoms, justice and peace. They further agree that education ought to enable everyone to participate effectively in a democratic and pluralistic society and achieve a decent existence and should foster understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations and all racial, ethnic or religious groups and promote activities for the maintenance of peace.
13.3
The States Parties to this Protocol recognize that in order to achieve the full exercise of the right to education:
13.3.a
Primary education should be compulsory and accessible to all without cost;
13.3.b
Secondary education in its different forms, including technical and vocational secondary education, should be made generally available and accessible to all by every appropriate means, and in particular, by the progressive introduction of free education;
13.3.d
Basic education should be encouraged or intensified as far as possible for those persons who have not received or completed the whole cycle of primary instruction;
13.3.e
Programs of special education should be established for the handicapped, so as to provide special instruction and training to persons with physical disabilities or mental deficiencies.
16
Every child, whatever his parentage, has the right to the protection that his status as a minor requires from his family, society and the State. Every child has the right to grow under the protection and responsibility of his parents; save in exceptional, judicially-recognized circumstances, a child of young age ought not to be separated from his mother. Every child has the right to free and compulsory education, at least in the elementary phase, and to continue his training at higher levels of the educational system.
Inter-American Convention on discrimination against persons with disabilities
Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities
II
The objectives of this Convention are to prevent and eliminate all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities and to promote their full integration into society.
III
To achieve the objectives of this Convention, the states parties undertake:
III.1
To adopt the legislative, social, educational, labor-related, or any other measures needed to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities and to promote their full integration into society, including, but not limited to:
III.1.a
Measures to eliminate discrimination gradually and to promote integration by government authorities and/or private entities in providing or making available goods, services, facilities, programs, and activities such as employment, transportation, communications, housing, recreation, education, sports, law enforcement and administration of justice, and political and administrative activities;
III.1.b
Measures to ensure that new buildings, vehicles, and facilities constructed or manufactured within their respective territories facilitate transportation, communications, and access by persons with disabilities;
III.1.c
Measures to eliminate, to the extent possible, architectural, transportation, and communication obstacles to facilitate access and use by persons with disabilities;
III.1.d
Measures to ensure that persons responsible for applying this Convention and domestic law in this area are trained to do so.
III.2
To work on a priority basis in the following areas:
III.2.b
Early detection and intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, education, job training, and the provision of comprehensive services to ensure the optimal level of independence and quality of life for persons with disabilities;
ACHPR
African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
17.1
Every individual shall have the right to education.
ACRWC
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
3
Every child shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in this Charter irrespective of the child’s or his/her parents’ or legal guardians’ race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.
11.1
Every child shall have the right to education.
11.2
The education of the child shall be directed to:
11.2.a
the promotion and development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential;
11.3
State Parties to the present Charter shall take all appropriate measures with a view to achieving the full realization of this right and shall in particular:
11.3.a
provide free and compulsory basic education;
11.3.b
encourage the development of secondary education in its different forms and progressively make it free and accessible to all;
11.3.c
make higher education accessible to all on the basis of capacity and ability by every appropriate means;
11.3.d
take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates;
11.3.e
take special measures in respect of female, gifted and disadvantaged children, to ensure equal access to education for all sections of the community.
11.6
State Parties to the present Charter shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children who become pregnant before completing their education shall have an opportunity to continue their education on the basis of their individual ability.
Maputo Protocol
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa
12.1
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to:
12.1.a
eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and guarantee equal opportunity and access in the sphere of education and training;
12.1.b
eliminate all stereotypes in textbooks, syllabuses and the media, that perpetuate such discrimination;
12.1.c
protect women, especially the girl-child from all forms of abuse, including sexual harassment in schools and other educational institutions and provide for sanctions against the perpetrators of such practices;
12.1.d
provide access to counselling and rehabilitation services to women who suffer abuses and sexual harassment;
12.1.e
integrate gender sensitisation and human rights education at all levels of education curricula including teacher training.
12.2
States Parties shall take specific positive action to:
12.2.a
promote literacy among women;
12.2.b
promote education and training for women at all levels and in all disciplines, particularly in the fields of science and technology;
12.2.c
promote the enrolment and retention of girls in schools and other training institutions and the organisation of programmes for women who leave school prematurely.