UNESCO instruments

UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education (CADE, 1960) was the first international instrument in the field of education having binding force in international law and has inspired other instruments, particularly Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1960). It has been recognised by UNESCO’s Executive Board as a key pillar for the Education 2030 process.

This Convention expresses the fundamental principle of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity in education. It is worthwhile noting that Article 2 explicitly states that the establishment or maintenance of private education institutions should not exclude any group but instead provide educational facilities in addition to those provided by public authorities.

Article 4 enjoins upon States Parties to make: primary education free and compulsory; secondary education in its different forms generally available and accessible to all and higher education equally accessible to all on the basis of individual capacity. It also recognises the right to basic education for youth and adults.

Article 5 lays down the aims of education and provides for the liberty of parents to choose the kind of education they want to their children to receive, particularly regarding moral and religious instruction. It also recognises minorities’ right to carry on their own education activities.

This Convention also refers to teacher training and qualification as well as to quality education.

• Adoption: 14 December 1960
• Entry into force: 22 May 1962
• Ratifications: 110
• Interpretation: UNESCO Committee on Conventions and Recommendations monitors and examines complaints on the violation of the right to education but has never published any official interpretations of the Convention. However, these UNESCO edited publications may be useful: Significance of the Convention against Discrimination in Education (2005), Commentary on the Convention against Discrimination in Education (2005), and Ten Reasons Why UNESCO’s Convention against Discrimination in Education is highly significant in today’s world (2007)
• Monitoring mechanism: yes (Article 7 of the Convention)
• Complaint mechanism: yes

UNESCO Convention on Technical and Vocational Education (1989) has a very low rate of ratifications (19). UNESCO is considering its relevance and might revise it or adopt a new instrument in the future.

• Adoption: 10 November 1989
• Entry into force: 29 August 1991
• Ratifications: 19
• Interpretation: UNESCO Committee on Conventions and Recommendations monitors and examines complaints on violations of the right to education but has never published an official interpretation of the Convention.
• Monitoring mechanism: yes (Article 7 of the Convention)
• Complaint mechanism: yes

The UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education establishes universal principles for fair, transparent and non-discriminatory recognition of higher education qualifications and qualifications giving access to higher education and offering avenues for further study and employment. With provisions on non-traditional learning modes, the Global Convention also facilitates the recognition of qualifications, prior learning and study periods earned remotely. In addition, it promotes the recognition of refugees’ qualifications, even in cases where documentary evidence is lacking. 

• ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers (1966)
• Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1974)
• Recommendation on the Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education (1993)
• Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education (1994)
• Recommendation concerning the status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel (1997)
• Hamburg Declaration on Adult Learning (1997)
• Dakar Framework for Action – Education for All: Meeting our Collective Commitment (2000)
• Recommendation concerning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (2015)
• Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education (2015)
• CONFINTEA VII Marrakech Framework for Action Harnessing the transformational power of Adult Learning and Education (2022)
• Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action for Transforming Early Childhood Care and Education (2022)
• UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights,  International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development (2023)