We would like to invite our members to a briefing and consultation session about the initiative currently underway for a new treaty to strengthen the right to free education under international law and Ireland’s involvement.
Location: Online
Date: Thursday, 12th June
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Register here: Registration Link
CONTEXT
In July 2024, a Human Rights Council Resolution, co-sponsored by 49 countries, including the majority of fellow EU members, proposed a new optional protocol to the Convention of the Rights of the Child (the UNCRC), to guarantee free pre-primary as well as free secondary education.
This new addition would address a gap left by the 1989 UNCRC, which guarantees all children a right to free primary education, but says nothing about early childhood education or pre-primary education, and does not require governments to make secondary education free for all children.
Ireland is not among the 49 states who sponsored the additional treaty.
But this summer offers great opportunities for Ireland to get on board with the growing number of supporters.
- The first, will be the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education during the June session of the UN Human Rights Council.
- The second, the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group tasked with developing the treaty in September in Rome, which is open to all UN member states.
THE CAMPAIGN
We warmly invite you to join INEW’s campaign calling on the Irish government to build on its strong track record and deep commitment to realising the right to education for every child by
- Publicly voicing its support for a strong treaty that guarantees free education for all children, from pre-primary through secondary and
- Engaging positively in the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group and to help advance this vital initiative.
INEW BRIEFING
In the upcoming briefing and consultation session, we will present the campaign’s action plan and outline the first phase, which includes sending letters to key stakeholders to build awareness and momentum for Ireland’s support of the treaty. We would greatly value your feedback on these draft letters and hope to mobilise your support in endorsing and amplifying this initiative. We are aiming to secure a broad base of endorsements from our members, including NGOs, education stakeholders, and teacher unions to demonstrate strong and united backing for Ireland’s leadership on this issue.
The briefing will take place next Thursday, 12th June, 12:00 – 1:00 pm online. You can register using the link below. We will share the draft letter and campaign materials with you in advance of the session next week.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In the meantime, you can read our OHCHR submission to support the working group, show your support by sharing the campaign on LinkedIn, and stay tuned for more updates!
