Social Justice and Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in Paris by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. The Declaration of Human Rights arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are respectfully entitled to. The document consists of 30 articles which have been elaborated in subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, national constitutions and laws. In 1966 the General Assembly adopted the two detailed Covenants, which complete the International Bill of Human Rights; and in 1976, after the Covenants had been ratified by a sufficient number of individual nations, the Bill took on the force of international law.

As Part of that document a universal right to education was established in Article 26. This Article guarantees the following:

1. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
2. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
3. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.