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UNESCO regularly monitors the implementation of its standard-setting instruments through periodic consultations.
By launching a consultation, UNESCO requests Members States to submit reports on the measures taken in order to implement the instruments (Conventions for countries that have ratified and Recommendations for all Member States).
The Convention and Recommendation, which are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, reflects UNESCO’s constitutional mission of instituting collaboration among nations to “advance the ideal of equality of educational opportunities without regard to race, sex or any distinctions, economic or social.”
The purpose of these instruments, recognized as a cornerstone of Education 2030 Agenda, is the elimination of discrimination in education alongside the adoption of concrete measures aimed at promoting equality of opportunities and treatment in this field.
The monitoring of the right to education in the context of Education 2030 and the Sustainable Development Agenda is of crucial importance to guarantee government accountability and transparency.
- View the text of the Convention
Under Article VIII of the Constitution of UNESCO, Member States are required to submit a report on the legislative and administrative provisions they have adopted and on other measures taken to implement the conventions and recommendations.
In accordance with UNESCO procedures, Member States are requested to submit such reports every four years.
The purpose of reporting is to illustrate the actions taken to implement the instruments, the progress made and the difficulties encountered by Member States.
UNESCO has so far conducted nine consultations and is now launching its 10th Consultation.
When?
In February 2020, UNESCO Director-General requested Member States to submit national reports on the measures taken for the implementation of these instruments.
Based on national reports received, an analytical report synthesizing the findings of the consultation will be prepared and submitted to UNESCO’s Governing Bodies in 2021.
The analytical report on the results of the previous Consultation is available for information in English.
How?
Guidelines for the Preparation of national reports were prepared by the Secretariat and approved by the Executive Board in October 2019.
These Guidelines provide necessary orientations for the preparation of the report. As the scope and content of the legal obligations under the right to education are aligned with SDG4 on education, efforts have been made to ensure that the specific components are included in the guidelines and that the guidelines serve as a valuable monitoring tool for measuring progress towards SDG4 targets.
Why?
UNESCO’s Member States are constitutionally required to report to the Organization on the implementation of UNESCO’s instruments.
Participation in consultations offers a valuable opportunity to assess progress and identify challenges, build constructive dialogue with all stakeholders including civil society, and share good practices.
The Global Observatory on the Right to Education is notably enriched by information provided in the context of consultations.
Based on the previous consultations, reports and mappings have been produced and serve as essential tools for information-sharing and advocacy in connection with the right to education.
- The right to education for persons with disabilities, 2019
- Indigenous peoples’ right to education, 2019
- Enforcing the right to education of refugees, 2019
- Compendium of practical examples, 2016
- Teachers and the right to education, 2015
Findings of the previous consultations
- 9th Consultation (2017): Global Report presenting the findings of the consultation “Ensuring the right to equitable and inclusive quality education”
- 8th Consultation (2013): Summary of the reports received from Member States on the measures taken to implement the 1960 Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (37 C/ 26)
- 7th Consultation (2007): Results of the seventh consultation of Member States on the implementation of the Convention and the Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (1960) (34 C/56)
- 6th Consultation (1999): Sixth consultation of Member States on the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (30 C/29)
- 5th Consultation (1991): Fifth Consultation of Member States on the Implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (26 C/31)
- 4th Consultation (1985): Report of Member States on the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education; fourth report (23 C/72)
- 3rd Consultation (1978): Report of Member States on the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education; third report (20 C/40)
- 2nd Consultation (1972): Reports of Member States on the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation Against Discrimination in Education: second report (17 C/15)
- 1st Consultation (1968): First periodic reports of Member States and additional information received from certain Member States concerning their reports on the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education (15 C/10)
More information
On the Convention and the Recommendation
- Ten reasons why the Convention against Discrimination in Education is highly significant in today's world
- Significance of the Convention against Discrimination in Education
- Commentary on the Convention against Discrimination in Education
- Comparative analysis between UNESCO’s Convention against Discrimination in Education and Articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
- UNESCO and the right to education
- List of states parties to the Convention
On monitoring