Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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Protocol Instituting a Conciliation and Good offices Commission to be Responsible for
seeking the settlement of any Disputes, which may Arise between States Parties to the
Convention against Discrimination in Education. Paris, 10 December 1962
Convention against Discrimination in Education Paris, 14 December 1960
Recommendation against Discrimination in Education 14 December 1960
5.1.2.2 Role of IGOs in implementing and achieving the right to education
For human society the right to education is important for two reasons: it is a “basic right” and it
is a mean to get and protect other rights. Research has proved that education is good for human
well being and it has been recognized as good investment by state and society: education is a
primary vehicle of change and empowerment that helps people to participate fully in the process
of socio-economic development at local, national and international levels. Furthermore, only an
educated mind can be a fully active mind and such mind is capable to achieve mental
enlightenment that ultimately enables that person to comprehend better the truth and realities,
and to have a good understanding of the rights and duties.
Owing to the universal importance of education in December 1948 the General Assembly of the
United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Following
this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the
Declaration at all levels particularly in educational institutions. The article 26 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights has firmly established “right to education” in international law.
According to this declaration “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free ...
and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit”.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone in the human civilization. In 2008 on
the 60 th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Right the General Assembly of UNO
adopted a resolution in which states reaffirmed their commitment towards the full realization of
“all human rights for all”. Along with this Universal Declaration of Human rights there are
other International Documents also where education has been addressed in one way or other.
The ILO Convention Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples;
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;
The Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;