Street children are primary victims of exclusion. The United Nations estimate their number to be around 100 million. They are often forgotten by official authorities that are responsible for their education and socialization, and are held in contempt by society at large.
Yet, education is a human right recognised by nations. Through its different activities, UNESCO intends to increase Member States’ responsibility in ensuring that street and working children have access to quality basic education. It strives to raise the Member States’ awareness of these children’s plight and to the non-enforcement of the right to education for all; further, UNESCO supports other organizations and institutions dealing with street children; and strengthens partnerships at national, regional and international levels.
