UNESCO Office in Bangkok: Right to education

Leading the international agenda

The Right to Education

: © Malika Bahovadinova, Tajikistan

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "everyone has the right to education" (Article 26).

Education is an inalienable human right. This right is a litmus test. It allows citizens to assess their own and international government's commitment to fundamental rights.

The right to education also uniquely empowers individuals to exercise other civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The right to education will help the individual to make informed choices in life. Empowering individuals to attain a life of dignity, while ensuring a brighter future for all, free from want and from fear.

To meet this human right, education must be available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable.

Governments are duty-bound to both provide citizens with education and increase the capacity of rights-holders to claim their right to education.

The right to education yields important development benefits. Prioritising the right to education will accelerate progress towards the Education for All goals.

The Right to Education flyer provides more information.