Speech

UN HRC53: Statement on the right to education

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to education. As delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government
Rita French

Thank you Mr President.

We thank the newly appointed Special Rapporteur for her report.

Realising the right to education is crucial to ensure no child is left behind and an essential foundation to support their future success.

The quality of teaching is the single most important in-school factor in improving outcomes for children, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have transformed the way we train teachers and school leaders, ensuring these professionals now have high-quality, evidence-based training and professional development at every stage of their career.

The UK will also establish a single national system that delivers for every child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) so that they may promptly access specialist provision and support to ensure they can realise their potential.

Special Rapporteur,

Could you share your upcoming priorities and in particular how you intend to address gender-based discrimination in education, which affects millions of girls around the world?

Updates to this page

Published 27 June 2023